§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Minister for Trade if he will issue an order with immediate effect under the Consumer Safety Act 1978 prohibiting the sale of plastic erasers in the form of imitation sweets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanOn 21 May, I issued a warning about the possible dangers to young children if they should swallow these imitation sweets. Since then, my Department, in co-operation with trading standards officers throughout the country, has been contacting identified suppliers, all of whom have agreed to cease supply. I hope this action will be sufficient to remove the danger, but I shall consider the need for a statutory prohibition if I receive evidence that supplies are continuing to reach the market.