§ 36. Mr. HoltTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, since the introduction of the furniture flammability match test, how many prosecutions have been made under the new regulations; and what percentage related to imported furniture.
§ Mr. MaudeThe enforcement of regulations made under consumer safety and protection Acts is undertaken by local authority trading standards departments. There is no central register of prosecutions for offences under safety regulations. I have asked the local authorities coordinating body on trading standards to assemble information on prosecutions under the Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations 1980 if only for the last 12 months, and I shall write to the hon. Member when it is available. Since the regulations apply to all domestic furniture regardless of country of origin, it is unlikely that the percentage relating to imported furniture will be shown.