§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take stronger measures to restrict the sale of butane gas canisters to minors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthThe Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 provides an adequate legal basis for combatting the problem of solvent abuse. It prohibits the sale of any sniffable product to anyone under the age of 18 who seems likely to want to inhale it for purposes of intoxication. The problem is to make retailers fully aware of the law and to ensure that they obey it. To this end, the Government are funding the distribution of guidance packs to all retailers. We have already helped to pay for a training video for retailers and their staff on how to recognise sniffers and refuse to sell to them. Warning notices for retailers on bulk packs of gas refills are also being introduced.