HC Deb 28 March 1996 vol 274 cc734-5W
Mr. Faber

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many fireworks-related injuries were referred to hospitals in the period around 5 November 1995; and if he will make a statement. [24007]

Mr. John M. Taylor

An analysis of the figures for 1995 and for the previous four years will be placed today in the Library of the House.

Accident and emergency units in hospitals in Great Britain treated 1,530 people for injuries caused by fireworks, a decrease of 3 per cent. over the total reported for 1994. I am heartened that, despite the increases in sales of fireworks in recent times, we have seen a small reduction in the figures this year, and no fatalities. I believe this is in part due to the successful publicity campaign run by my Department and the fireworks industry, and planning for the 1996 fireworks safety campaign is already under way.

Nevertheless, I am concerned that firework injuries remain near 1994 levels. Particularly worrying is that a third of the injuries appear to be due to illegal misuse.

In addition, I am conscious of a number of wider concerns, illustrated by the representations my Department receives on the power and variety of fireworks now available to the general public and, in particular, growing concerns about whether the public should have access to types of fireworks which can cause particular distress to people and animals alike and have the potential to cause serious injury.

In the light of these considerations, and mindful of the review of explosives legislation which the Health and Safety Executive is carrying out and which may have implications for fireworks, I believe the time is now right for a review of the effectiveness of both voluntary and legislative measures dealing with the availability of fireworks. Accordingly, I have asked my officials, working with those in other interested Departments, to put in hand such a review.

I intend that we should seek views about the current controls on fireworks, and on possible ways in which such controls might be improved, from a wide range of interested groups and individuals. These consultations will take place during the summer.