HC Deb 07 November 1968 vol 772 cc1068-9
23. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish figures showing the numbers of babies which have died in recent years as a result of pram accidents.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I have information only for 1967. Twenty deaths associated with prams have been recorded. Sixteen of these were caused otherwise than by structural faults in the prams; two by folding prams; and two by the prams overturning.

24. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the inquiry he set up into pram safety following the evidence on pram danger sent to him by the hon. Member for South Bedfordshire.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There is no formal inquiry. My Department is in consultation with the British Standards Institution and is making certain other inquiries about perambulator safety. I shall write to my hon. Friend about the results of these inquiries as soon as possible, but meanwhile I would strongly urge all manufacturers of perambulators to ensure that their products comply with the requirements of British Standard 4139:1967.

Mr. Roberts

But would not my hon. Friend consider the need for a more formal inquiry? After all, 500,000 citizens are in prams at the moment. This is a form of transportation which we all use at one time or another.

Mr. Rees

The proportion of accidents in prams is considerably less than that among older citizens. Nevertheless, we intend to keep the safety of perambulators under close review. If it is found that prams are being marketed which do not comply with the British Standard, the possible need for legislation under the Consumer Protection Act, 1961, will be considered.