§ Mr. BakerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice she has offered to traders holding stocks of fireworks which have become illegal to sell. [29443]
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§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsOn the few occasions the DTI has been approached by retailers they have been advised to discuss the issue of unsold stocks of prohibited fireworks with their suppliers. In some cases it is open to suppliers to re-export such fireworks to countries where national traditions mean that they are still acceptable and I understand that some suppliers are exploring this option.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what Government assistance is available to(a) firework manufacturers and (b) firework retailers to help them dispose of recently banned firework stocks. [29444]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsFollowing discussions between the DTI and the Health and Safety Executive the latter has issued an exemption certificate to facilitate the return to suppliers of stocks of the prohibited fireworks which have been taken out of their original transport packaging. My Department has been in contact with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to make sure retailers are informed and the information is being given to others who inquire about this issue. The trade association representing the firework industry is also aware that an exemption certificate has been issued.