§ Dr. IddonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how retailers are to dispose of their stocks if the Fireworks Bill is enacted. [43669]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThe Fireworks Bill is a Private Member's Bill which, if enacted, would provide the capability to deal with issues which cannot be addressed under the presently available powers. However, the fact of the Bill reaching the statute book would not of itself result in any new controls on fireworks being introduced. A key element in the Bill is a provision which would allow for the introduction of a training regime for the organisers of firework displays.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes have been made to import controls on fireworks since November 1996; and what plans she has for further changes. [43389]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThere have been no changes to import controls on fireworks since November 1996.
The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997, which I made in September 1997, introduced a number of firework safety measures including banning bangers, flash bangers, fireworks with erratic flight, aerial shells, maroons and other large fireworks from sale to the public. The Regulations also place limits on the size of certain fireworks—such as Roman Candles—which can be sold to the public. These restrictions apply both to imported fireworks and to those manufactured in the United Kingdom.
I am currently discussing with the firework industry the "traceability" of imported fireworks to improve the interception of dangerous ones.