HC Deb 06 December 1960 vol 631 c1057
34. Mr. George Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the interests of consumer protection, he will introduce legislation to ensure that all dangerous toys imported from abroad are fitted with safety devices.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend is considering with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action to take on the recommendation bearing on this matter made in the interim Report of the Committee.

Mr. Craddock

While I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the death of Carole Ann Wilkinson, of Harrogate, only four years old, who was killed by a plastic dart from a plastic blowpipe quite recently? Will he and his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary kindly speed up legislation to protect the youngsters of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Macpherson

Yes, Sir. I was aware of that, and I am sure that the whole House sympathises with that case. It would obviously be extremely difficult to guard against all the various hazards that could arise from toys of various kinds, but we are at the moment considering the recommendation of the Committee which has put in its interim Report to my right hon. Friend.