§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister for Trade if he will take steps to ensure that imported miniature circuit breakers are safe and that where they are stamped with an indication of compliance with B.S. 3871 there is evidence available that this standard has actually been complied with; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Vaughan[pursuant to the reply, 31 March 1983, c. 249]: All miniature circuit breakers sold in this country must comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 and 1976. There is no requirement under the regulations for such electrical appliances to comply with British standards as this would be contrary to the European Communities Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC). But it would be an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 to mark the breakers as complying with BS 3871 if they did not. If the hon. Member has evidence that unsafe circuit breakers were being falsely marked with the standard perhaps he would let me know.