§ 14. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the dangerous specimen fireworks passed on to him by the hon. Member for South Bedfordshire from a chief fire officer; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy right hon. Friend has had these fireworks tested. The firewoks tested did not present any abnormal hazard, and there are no grounds for action on my right hon. Friend's part.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my hon. Friend aware that the Chief Fire Officer who passed on this sample to me felt that it was particularly dangerous. The officer took the sample from a public demonstration which he attended and at which this particular firework caused a near-accident. Does she not believe that there may be a case for more rigid legislation on the actual manufacture of fireworks?
§ Mrs. WilliamsThe Chief Fire Officer is to be commended on his conscientiousness. My hon. Friend will know that the second part of his supplementary is down for answer later.
§ Mr. AllasonIs the Minister of State satisfied with the present size of the staff of the Explosives Inspectorate?
§ Mrs. WilliamsAs far as I know, the Explosives Inspectorate undertakes the necessary job. I hope that many of the 1542 fears which arise about fireworks will be discussed at the meeting which is to take place shortly.