HC Deb 31 October 1979 vol 972 cc538-9W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what study he has made of the firework accident figures in recent years; if he now proposes to take additional steps aimed at reducing the number and severity of these accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

My Department studies the firework accident figures each year. I am concerned that the downward trend in the number of accidents was reversed in 1977 and 1978, but I am hopeful that the present publicity on firework safety will reduce their numbers this year. In an attempt to reduce the number of accidents caused by street incidents, the manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to reduce the explosive content of bangers and, in order to prevent accidents with home-made fireworks, I am considering the feasibility of requiring sodium chlorate and products based on it to be available to the public only in such a form as to be ineffective for making explosive mixtures.

I intend to keep the Department's policy on fireworks under review.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give details in the Official Report of the arrangements which have been made by his Department prior to 5 November to publicise the dangers of firework accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

Publicity material made available by my Department includes a new firework safety poster featuring a well-known television personality, a new leaflet on organised displays and a leaflet which has been distributed to all registered retailers of fireworks, drawing their attention to the legislation and voluntary agreements covering the sale of fireworks. Ten television filler films on the safe use of fireworks are possessed by the television networks and four new radio tapes have been recorded and distributed.

A pack of publicity material, including a cartoon strip, has been issued to the media and has received a wide press coverage. In addition, other bodies such as ROSPA and the Firework Makers Guild have co-operated with the Department by producing and distributing material on firework safety.