§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Minister for Trade what steps were taken during the period in and around 5 November to inform the public generally of the dangers associated with the use of fireworks.
§ Dr. VaughanOn 15 October I launched an extensive firework safety campaign to publicise the hazards of fireworks if used carelessly or irresponsibly. Publicity material available from my Department includes a leaflet and poster for registered retailers of fireworks. Television films and new radio tapes have been distributed to the media. I have also had particularly in mind the importance of getting young people to understand the dangers. For this purpose we have for the fourth year been able to enlist the services of someone who knows how to put the message over to the, a young singer who is also featured in one of our posters and who helped in promoting a firework safety song competition for schools. The publicity material has been sent to all schools, local authorities, youth organisations, fire brigades, and police. Press packs containing this material together with a press notice and feature article are sent to national and local press and women's and children's publications. The Firework Makers Guild and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents have worked closely with my Department in this campaign and their material is also receiving a wide distribution.
§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Minister for Trade if he will take action to encourage local authorities to arrange public firework displays.
§ Dr. VaughanIn our annual firework safety campaign we bring to the attention of local authorities the desirability of encouraging people to attend properly organised displays and provide guidance on how to run a firework92W display safely. It is for the local authorities to decide whether they wish to organise such displays; many public spirited organisations already do this themselves.