§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussions he has had with(a) retailers, (b) manufacturers, (c) local authorities, (d) police, (e) voluntary organisations and (f) other Government departments with regard to the banning of the sale of butane gas products to under 16-year-olds;[38144]
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of a ban on butane gas products sales to under 16 year olds on the mortality and prevalence rates of volatile substance abuse. [38147]
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§ Mr. George HowarthThe Government are currently considering the desirability and practicality of introducing a 16 year age limit on the sales of gas lighter refills. The consultation process is at an early stage, and no full assessment of the effects of such a measure has yet been made; but Home Office officials have recently met representatives from local authorities, and have sought the views of other government departments on the proposal. Consultation with other interested bodies will take place shortly.