HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc394-5W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that dangerous toys are being imported from Czechoslovakia and Hong Kong, and are currently on sale in shops in Scotland; and whether he will take steps to prevent such imports.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

I understand that action has already been taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to secure the withdrawal from sale of the dangerous rattles which are the toys my hon. Friend no doubt has in mind and that the importers concerned will ensure that, in future, any rattles they import are safely designed and made.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the setting up of an appropriate body to supervise the import of toys, the handling of which may cause danger to children buying them.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

No. The Board uses its powers to control imports only for broad economic or commercial purposes. Questions affecting the safety of consumer goods are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.