§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking in the period up to 5 November to publicise the potential danger of fireworks; what further steps he is taking to reduce fireworks accidents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Sally Oppenheim:An extensive firework safety campaign was launched by me on 13 October to publicise the hazards of fireworks if used carelessly or intentionally misused. Publicity material available from my Department includes press articles and a radio tape by a person blinded by fireworks, a new poster featuring a well-known television personality, a leaflet containing guidance to firework display organisers and a leaflet which has been distributed to all registered retailers of fireworks. Television filler films and three new radio tapes have been distributed.
Packs of publicity material have been issued to the media and are already receiving press coverage. Material has also been sent to schools, youth organisations, fire brigades and the police. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Firework Makers Guild have worked closely with my Department in this campaign and both have produced new posters.
This year the explosive content of bangers has been reduced in order to lessen the risk of accidents.