HC Deb 12 March 1970 vol 797 cc1542-3
15. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what figures are now available on firework accidents for 1969; if he will now state the date proposed for the meeting under his sponsorship of parties interested in reducing firework accidents; who are to be invited to this meeting; what further steps he is taking to reduce firework accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

For the figures, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 5th March. The meeting will be held on 23rd March. I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the organisations which have been invited to it. My right hon. Friend will review the problem of firework accidents in the light of the views expressed at this meeting—[Vol. 797, c. 151–2.]

Mr. Roberts

My hon. Friend will be-aware that I have seen the figures. There is one minor error in one of them. I understand the difficulties in getting all parties which may be interested to attend the meeting which is about to take place, but could my hon. Friend give an assurance that following that meeting her right hon. Friend intends to bring in some legislation before the next November the Fifth?

Mrs. Williams

The figures last year were the lowest for any year in which statistics have been kept. This is still a serious problem, but at the moment at least it appears to be a diminishing one. No fewer than 25 organisations have been invited to the meeting, and one must balance the effectiveness and practicability of the meeting against the number of organisations likely to be represented. The matter of legislation would be more properly considered by the Government after meeting all the bodies concerned rather than by making a statement now.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Is the Minister making a special study of fireworks of foreign origin? One example that I have seen recently included an instruction which, if followed, would result in the firework exploding in the face of the person reading it.

Mrs. Williams

I shall ask those concerned to consider carefully the hon. Gentleman's useful evidence.

Following is the information:

List of organisations which have been invited to the meeting on 23rd March

Consumer Council.

Consumers' Association.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

British Safety Council.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

National Campaign to Ban Fireworks.

National Council of Women of Great Britain.

National Federation of Parent Teacher Associations.

British Firework Manufacturers' Safety Association.

Retail Confectioners' Association.

National Union of Small Shopkeepers.

National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Booksellers and Stationers.

National Association of Toy Retailers.

Retail Distributors' Association.

British Medical Association.

Association of Chief Police Officers.

Chief Fire Officers' Association.

National Association of Fire Officers.

Fire Brigades Union.

Fire Protection Association.

Association of Municipal Corporations.

County Councils Association.

Rural District Councils Association.

Urban District Councils Association.

Greater London Council.

Convention of Royal Boroughs.

Association of County Councils in Scotland.

Scottish Counties of Cities Association.