§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now completed his review of the problem of fireworks accidents.
§ Mr. CallaghanI have now considered the views expressed at the meeting with representatives of interested organisations110W which was held on 23rd March. I am not satisfied that severe restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks would be justified but I consider that the minimum age of persons to whom fireworks may be sold should be raised from 13 to 16 years, and a Bill for this purpose is therefore being introduced in another place today.
I shall also pursue, with the manufacturers and other organisations concerned, various suggestions which were made at the meeting for further publicity and other measures to reduce the number of accidents.