HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 cc1592-3
8. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accidents from fireworks requiring hospital treatment occurred during the month of November 1972, and how many of the victims were children.

37. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the total casualty figures of firework accidents occurring on 5th November 1972; how many of these necessitated an overnight stay in hospital; and how these figures compare with those for 1971.

Mr. Lane

The hospital returns are now being analysed, and I hope it will be possible to give the full figures later this month.

Mr. Archer

Is it not clear that publicity campaigns alone are not stopping these tragedies? Will the Minister consider legislation restricting the sale of fireworks to representatives of groups and organisations presenting properly controlled displays?

Mr. Lane

I am not convinced at present that this is necessary. If the final statistics for 1972 show serious cause for concern that our measures are not being effective, we will consider whether there are any further steps we can usefully take for the future.

Mr. James Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the deep concern that is felt by our women constituents? Last November in my constituency a petition was signed containing thousands of signatures. Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that I have taken deputations to his Department during the time of his predecessor, and that it was agreed that the Home Department should attempt to get in touch with the local authorities about this matter and that we should have public displays in parks and elsewhere with the aid of the police? Has that been followed up?

Mr. Lane

I am, of course, aware of this matter in my constituency as well. There is a trend towards the holding of larger public displays with this in view. I remind the House that in 1970 and 1971 the number of injuries in England and Wales as a result of firework accidents was much less than half the figure of 10 years before. We want to maintain that progress.

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