§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what percentage of lamp-holders sold in the United Kingdom conform to British Standard 52; and how many substandard lamp-holders have been the cause of prosecution in the United Kingdom in the last 12 months for which figures are available.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe information requested in the first part of the question is not available. As the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 have only recently been made and have not yet come into operation, there have been no prosecutions.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many accidents resulting in recordable harm have occurred in the United Kingdom during the last 12 months as a result of people touching the unearthed metal part of insulated lamp-holders (the J slot liner).
Mr. Alan WilliamsNo fatal accidents due to this cause have been reported to my Department in the 12 months to 31st August 1975. Separate statistics for other such accidents are not available.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she has obtained, for the purposes of Statutory Instrument No. 278W 1366, samples of bayonet lampholders (with and without switches) which conform to the standards set out in that Statutory Instrument No. 1366 when all its sections have come into force; and, if so, if she will place samples of such fittings in the Library of the House.
Mr. Alan WilliamsBayonet lampholders without switches which, when sold separately, comply with the regulations are widely on sale. Most existing switched lampholders will need to be redesigned in order to comply with the requirement that live parts shall not be accessible without using tools. A modified version produced by one manufacturer is at present on sale and I have asked for a test report on it.