§ Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to take steps to prescribe a maximum outside temperature for gas and electric cookers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherAs I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on 8 March, at column 638, my intention is to introduce regulations under the Consumer Safety Act 1978 establishing new maximum permissible temperatures for the fronts and sides of domestic gas and electric cookers below hot level. Discussions with industry, consumer and medical interests are continuing within the framework of the British Standards Institution. A number of technical194W questions are still outstanding, but progress is being made. I am now revising my original timetable, extending the six months period by one month, and I hope to have regulations ready in draft form in June.