§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received recently urging a ban on the retail sale of fireworks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeI have received about 50 letters from hon. Members and from the public asking for further restrictions on the sale of fireworks. This is rather less than in previous years. Judging by reports from the police, fire brigades and hospitals, November the Fifth this year seems to have gone well, although it is too early to be sure about the accident and injury figures. It seems likely that the strengthened legislation against firework offences is having an effect. Our publicity campaign this year was very well received. Taking all these factors into account, I remain convinced that it would be wrong to ban the retail sale of fireworks to legitimate users because of abuse by a minority.
§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish in theOfficial Report details of the numbers of children and adults injured in accidents involving fireworks in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. MaudeA full breakdown of figures for 1981 to 1986 was published in theOfficial Report on 6 March 1987, columns 718–20. The figures for 1987 will be made known to the House as soon as they are available, which is normally in March.