§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he is not prepared to introduce an order under the Consumer Safety Act 1978 to ban the sale of marbles.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherI am not presently considering the prohibition as a choking risk of any small objects specifically marketed for children. Any small object presents such a risk to young children but the risk should be minimised. Marbles have been supplied for many years and do not, unlike scented erasers, contain an unnecessary additive deliberately designed to make them more attractive.