§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister for Trade what action he has taken on the importation of defective electrical fan heaters from Italy; whether any scrutiny of imported electrical goods is to be instituted to ensure compliance with United Kingdom safety standards; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Dr. Vaughan[pursuant to his reply, 22 June 1982, c. 63]: I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the warning I gave in March about reports of fires caused by fan heaters, believed to be manufactured by Olimpic, an Italian company. Subsequent inquiries have revealed that the Italian manufacturer stopped exporting them to the United Kingdom two years ago and will not do so again unless they comply with the relevant British Standard.
Most domestic electrical appliances, imported or manufactured in this country, must satisfy the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 and 1976. Although it can be assumed that products complying with relevant British Standards would satisfy the regulations, compliance could not be required as this would be contrary to the European Council directive of 19 February 1973 on the harmonisation of the laws of member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits. I am currently reviewing the effectiveness of our consumer safety legislation and will take fully into account the importance of preventing unsafe goods of all kinds, including imported electrical goods, from getting into the shops.