§ Mrs. Jill Knightasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that the safety standards of toys and electrical goods entering the United Kingdom from France, Germany and the Far East comply with British safety regulations.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherEnforcement of safety regulations is the responsibility of local trading standards authorities. The evidence from recent successful prosecutions shows that most electrical goods found by the courts to be unsafe come from the Far East. This information is not available for toys and there is no evidence of imports from France or Germany failing to comply. If my hon. Friend has, however, such evidence I should be grateful for it. The more effective enforcement of safety regulations is a matter of concern and forms part of our current review of consumer safety legislation.