HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 cc213-5
3. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now able to make a statement in view of his examination of the recommendations which are contained in the report, "Danger at Play", prepared by the Portsmouth

last 10 years; where they are located; and what was the annual cost of each and the progress made with each such clearance.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Eight schemes were approved in 1949 and one this year. With permission, I will circulate the detailed information about these in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hughes

Is not that a remarkably small number? Is it not another instance of failure on the part of the Government to utilise the statutory powers which were provided by the Labour Government in 1945?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. and learned Member is well aware of the measures which were introduced to restrain Government expenditure in 1949, but for this year 25 further schemes in Scotland are under consideration.

Following is the information:

Junior Chamber of Commerce, concerning the manufacture of unsafe toys.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The British Standards Institution has written to the Portsmouth Junior Chamber of Commerce about the recommendations involving standards. My right hon. Friend is waiting to hear the outcome of these discussions and he hopes also to hear the views of the Council of the British Toy Manufacturers Association on the report. The recommendations about the use of air-guns, bows and arrows, and fireworks, and the prohibition of the manufacture and sale of certain inflammable toys are matters for the Home Secretary.

Mr. Janner

Would the hon. Member be good enough to expedite this further inquiry as far as possible, because the Portsmouth people took three years to go into the matter and came to the conclusion that the majority of the accidents with children were due to these unsafe toys? Would the hon. Member help in that respect and try to press the matter forward?

Mr. Rodgers

I will certainly do all that I can to press it forward. The Council of the British Toy Manufacturers Association is discussing this matter on 18th June.