§ 2.40 p.m.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make an interim report on the inquiries made by the Home Office Working Party dealing with the problem of flammability.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONIIAM)My Lords, the Working Party on Flammable Clothing has been mainly concerned, so far, with problems arising from the operation of the Children's Nightdresses Regulations 1964. My right honourable and learned friend expects to receive a report from the Working Party on these matters very shortly. At its next meeting, early in the New Year, the Working Party will consider the two problems of nightwear for the elderly and material sold in the piece.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that I am very glad that the problem of nightwear for the elderly is to be discussed at the next meeting? May I ask, in view of the fact that this Working Party is discussing various aspects of flammability, whether it will be the intention of the Home Office to introduce amending regulations on each aspect at some future date, or to amend as they go along?
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, the First Report of the Working Party has not yet been received, and has therefore not been considered by my right honourable friend, but we are hoping to proceed with other and rather more important matters quite quickly. It would seem more desirable to amend the Regulations in several matters rather than to introduce an amendment of one.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I thank my noble friend.