§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will take steps to restrict the sale of fireworks to designated organisations for a limited period before 5th November.
Mr. Alan WilliamsFollowing the review of firework safety which I undertook last year I announced on 25th November, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts), that the existing controls over fireworks were to be strengthened. One of the measures being taken by voluntary agreement with the trade is to restrict to three weeks immediately before 5th November the period during which fireworks will be on general sale to the public. This is in addition to the manufacturers' agreement to halve their banger production over the next two years and to box most fireworks except bangers within the same period. The Government support legislation which will raise the minimum age of sale of fireworks from 13 to 16 years.