§ 25. Mr. Maddanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish draft regulations under the Consumer Protection Act, 1961, dealing with children's toys; when he expects these regulations to become mandatory; and of how many children's deaths he is aware due to toys not complying with British Standard 3443 caused by toys made in the United Kingdom, and imported toys, respectively.
§ Miss BaconDraft Regulations dealing with the safety of children's toys will shortly be circulated to all interested bodies for comment. The Regulations will be made as soon as possible after comments have been received and considered. I am not aware of any children's deaths caused by toys not complying with British Standard 3443.
§ Mr. MaddanWill the right hon. Lady assure us that, because there is a risk of death to children as a result of toys not complying with the Standard, these conversations will proceed with the utmost dispatch?
§ Miss BaconYes. I can give that assurance. There has been this delay because the Government are including not only the three requirements of the Molony Committee but also poisonous substances in paint, which we thought should be included. As the hon. Gentleman will realise, this has presented great technical difficulties, which have now been overcome.