§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the working of the Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations; what representations he has had from the Institute of Trading Standards Administration urging changes in the regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimI assume that the right hon. Member is referring to discussions between my Department and the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Trading Standards (LACOTS) on how to overcome difficulties in enforcing the Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations 1980 that experience has disclosed. A month ago I arranged for a possible way of overcoming the difficulties to be put to a meeting with LACOTS. It was that there should be added to the present requirement for warning labels on furniture that does not pass the prescribed tests a requirement that furniture that does pass those tests be labelled accordingly. I am happy to say that regulations incorporating my proposal will be put before Parliament after the necessary consultation procedure. I am also looking at other ways in which the difficulties of enforcement might be eased, including those suggested by LACOTS.