§ Mr. Raisonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what has been the total cost to the Exchequer and the total increase in local government staff levels since March 1974 as a result of the requirements of new legislation and departmental circulars initiated by her Department since that date.
§ Mr. MaclennanIdentifiable expenditure under prices and consumer protection legislation since March 1974 is as follows:
Mr. Alan WilliamsFollowing my recent meetings with the firework manufacturers' and retailers' organisations, I held discussions with representatives of consumer interests yesterday and shall be meeting local authority, fire and police bodies tomorrow. I expect shortly to be in a position to make a statement outlining our proposals.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what study she has made of the evidence, supplied to her by the hon. Member for Cannock, of increased sales of imported short-fused Chinese cracker type fireworks; if she will warn of the dangers of such fireworks; and if she will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsImports of actual Chinese crackers are not permitted. I assume my hon. Friend is referring to imports from China of fireworks of other types. Although the fuses of these burn 195W more rapidly than usual, they have the advantage that their burning is clearly apparent, and they are considered adequate for safe operation when correctly used. Safety instructions must be supplied with each box or pack.
However, my Department received evidence on 4th November that some specimens of imported rockets might be faulty, and immediately issued a warning to the public not to use them.