§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the light of the death of Roddy Breslin in Tyrone county hospital on 6 May, he will introduce legislation to prohibit the import and sale of chocolate eggs and other confectionery containing small plastic toys.
§ Mr. FletcherWhile saddened to learn of the death of Roddy Breslin through choking on the plastic wheels and axle of a toy car, I have to recognise, as parents do, that the world is full of small objects which can cause the death of a child by choking.
In the case of small toys and toys containing small parts the consumer safety unit advises the use of warnings to keep the objects away from small children, and many responsibile suppliers follow this practice. I have no plans to prohibit the supply of such products.
The Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1985 make illegal from 1 August 1985, small toys and some other objects which imitate food in appearance, taste or smell. But it would not be fair or practicable to extend this concept to small objects associated with food, such as cake decorations or novelties contained within chocolate eggs. Such products should carry warning labels and parents should be particularly vigilant.