§ 7. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, following the publication of the analysis of injuries from fireworks, he has had discussions with the Firework Manufacturers' Association; and what action will be taken in the light of this analysis.
§ Mr. WoodhouseYes. The following is a statement of the conclusions reached in these discussions:
In the reply I gave on 7th March to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mr. Allason), I referred to the part played by publicity in reducing the number of accidents and to the intention to increase publicity further next November. The type of firework which gave rise to the greatest number of accidents in 1962 was the cheap banger. The manufacturers have decided to discontinue the manufacture of 1d. and 1½d. bangers in 1963, and the total number of bangers available is not expected to exceed one-third of the number sold in 1962. All fireworks which might be held in the hand will be labelled "Not to be held in the hand" unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.
The manufacturers have undertaken some research on two suggestions which my Department discussed with them last year, namely the fitting of caps over the ignition points of fireworks and the improvement of the reliability of the means of ignition. Practical difficulties have 54W been experienced, but I have urged the manufacturers to pursue these ideas. My right hon. Friend proposes to see whether these measures prove effective before considering whether further steps are required.