HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1525-6
25. Mrs Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new restrictions he is proposing in regard to the sale of fireworks during the coming autumn.

Mr. Woodhouse

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, West (Mrs. McLaughlin) on 4th April.

Mrs. Butler

Is this really all that the hon. Gentleman can do? Would it not be possible for him still further to restrict the period during which fireworks are on sale and the age of the children to whom they can be sold? Could he not send a circular to local authorities encouraging them to organise public fireworks parties to which parents and children can be invited instead of their having their own? This would not need legislation.

Mr. Woodhouse

My right hon. Friend is always willing to consider fresh suggestions of this kind, but the hon. Lady will see from the Answer that in co-operation with the industry we have succeeded in eliminating what is probably the most serious danger in fireworks, that is the cheap banger, and the increased publicity which they have undertaken to put out this year will help, we believe, to reduce accidents substantially.

Mr. Allason

Would my hon. Friend agree that if fireworks manufacturers are co-operating so successfully in this, no restrictions can possibly be necessary as long as this co-operation continues?

Mr. Woodhouse

I certainly agree that co-operation with the industry is the most effective way of reducing danger, though, of course, neither that nor legislation can safeguard against carelessness in the use of fireworks, which is one of the most common causes of accidents.