§ Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the fireworks injuries statistics for the 1998 firework season; and if he will make a statement. [77007]
§ Dr. HowellsThe total number of persons recorded as requiring treatment at hospital casualty departments in Great Britain during the 1998 firework season was 831. This represents a reduction of over 8 per cent. on the previous year's total. Within the overall reduction, there was a 36 per cent. fall in injuries caused by sparklers. My Department's firework safety campaign highlighted the risk of injury from sparklers and I am particularly pleased that this message has been heeded.
The number of serious injuries fell from 71 in 1997 to 46 last year. Figures also reveal a 12 per cent. drop in hooligan injuries after 21 areas were targeted by my department in partnership with local councils during the campaign to stamp out this anti-social behaviour.
I am arranging for copies of a summary of the injury figures to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Detailed analytical and regional tables will be published soon.