HC Deb 25 February 2004 vol 418 cc385-6 7.15 pm
Dr. Howard Stoate (Dartford) (Lab)

I have pleasure in presenting a petition initiated by my constituents Mrs. Jess Southerton and Mrs. Susan Stewart and signed by more than 750 of my constituents, mostly from the village of Hartley. My constituents welcome recent legislation restricting the sale and availability of fireworks to the general public, but feel that further legislation banning the over-the-counter sale of fireworks to the public is necessary in view of the large number of domestic accidents and injuries caused by the inappropriate use of fireworks by untrained members of the public that continue to occur to residents and animals in communities such as Hartley.

The petition states: The Humble Petition of residents of North Kent sheweth That the over the counter sale of fireworks to the general public, who are untrained in the correct handling and use of fireworks for use in private firework displays, unnecessarily endangers the health and safety of their users, as well all on lookers and passersby, and causes unnecessary distress and nuisance to neighbours, domestic animals and livestock Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House will take such measures as lie within its power to prevent the over-the-counter sale of fireworks to the general public at all times. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

To lie upon the Table.

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