§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade what evidence he has that a plastic spinning toy imported from Taiwan and costing £1 is dangerous; how many have been imported into the United Kingdom; how many accidents have been reported; and if he will ban any further imports.
§ Mrs. Sally Oppenheim[pursuant to her reply, 23 November 1981, c. 275]: I have at present no evidence that any plastic spinning toys imported from Taiwan are dangerous and no figures for imports of such goods are available. However, my Department has been concerned for some time at reports of toys described sometimes as "Space Saucers" breaking into pieces in use and scattering fragments of the plastic casing. Some of these were said to be imported from the Far East. The Department accordingly advised the trade associations representing United Kingdom manufacturers and importers how these toys could be strengthened to prevent shattering and some specimens appear to have been modified accordingly. Very recently a few accidents involving injury from "Space Saucers" have been reported in the media, but none reported as due to those made in Taiwan. I understand that as a result of one of these accidents a United Kingdom manufacturer has recalled his products with a view to manufacturing a safer version. Some specimen "Space Saucers" from Taiwan are to be examined by the Department and I understand a local authority is also examining such products from various sources. I shall consider what further steps may be necessary.