HC Deb 07 November 1968 vol 772 cc133-4W
38. Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps, by legislation or other wise, to prevent the sale of fireworks to the public until 4th November, 1969; and to ban all bonfires next Guy Fawkes night, except those which are organised under conditions acceptable to local authorities.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Any attempt to restrict the sale of fireworks as suggested would be open to a number of objections and I do not think it could do much to reduce accidents as these mostly happen on or just before 5th November. I have no evidence that the suggested control of bonfires could be justified by the risk which they present to life or property.