§ 22. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what study she has made of the evidence supplied to her of the sale of a number of dangerous animal toys designed for young children; what figures are available for accidents arising from dangerous toys; if she will give breakdowns revealing the sources of danger; and if she will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe evidence provided indicates that the toy animals may not comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1974. I understand that appropriate action is being taken by the local authority concerned, which is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations.
Figures for accidents arising from dangerous toys are not available.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my hon. Friend aware that the latter part of the answer causes some concern, and perhaps some attempt should therefore be made to obtain this sort of statistics? Will he consider the question of garages selling toys of this type? There is an obvious danger when a child is playing in the back set of a car with a toy from which the eyes may be detachable. Will my hon. Friend investigate the whole question of garages selling such objects?
Mr. Alan WilliamsThere is no necessity for us to investigate garage selling, as, like any other outlet, garages are covered by the safety regulations. In so far as they are in breach of those regulations, they lay themselves open to prosecution. As to statistics, my hon. Friend will know that in the near future we are producing a consultative document on the safety of goods and safety in the home. If he has any points that he wishes to raise in relation to that, we shall be glad to hear from him. We have limited statistics. A special surveillance system has been developed over a period of years, based on about six hospitals and covering about 2 million people. From that we are getting a figure for accidents of just over 100 in a year. In some instances an accident may be caused by a child standing on a toy and falling off, rather than by the toy itself.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI recognise the need to protect children, but will the Minister make it clear that, incredible though it may seem, the prime responsibility still remains with parents?
Mr. Alan WilliamsYes, of course, the responsibility remains with parents, in so far as it is possible for them to exercise meaningful judgment, but we all know that there are toys in which the hazards are concealed, when, no matter how diligent the parent it is impossible to anticipate those hazards. The Government must try to give protection in those circumstances.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonDoes the Minister recall that I have written to him and his Department on several occasions about dangerous toys imported from Hong Kong? What action is taken to scrutinise imported toys to ensure that they are safe?
Mr. Alan WilliamsImported toys are subject to the same procedures as are domestically produced toys in the event of their being in breach of the regulations. It is a physical impossibility literally to inspect every toy for every form of hazard, just as it is impossible to inspect all domestically produced toys in that way. Imported toys are subject to the same general regulations and general scrutinies as are domestically produced toys. In the same way as we approach manufacturers in this country for their voluntary co-operation, when we find problems with imported toys we usually find it satisfactory to go, for example, to the Hong Kong Government who pass on our representation to the manufacturers, who usually make the necessary modifications.