§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why he did not send or otherwise advise the Association of Toy, Stationery and Fancy Goods Wholesalers of the contents of the press notice issued by his Department in November 1982 on the sale of scented erasers;
380W(2) why he did not send or otherwise advise the British Stationery and Office Products Federation of the contents of the press notice issued by his Department in November 1982 on the sale of scented erasers.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherOfficials were not aware at that time of the direct interest of either organisation.
The Association of Toys and Fancy Goods Factors and Importers were told of the concern. The scented erasers were all imported, and the importers' association was the one most directly concerned with the first supply of the product in the United Kingdom.
As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend on 14 February at column 152, the 19–25 November 1982 issue of "British Business" carried the text of the press notice of 8 November 1982.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in the Official Report the various representative associations of importers, wholesalers and retailers of scented erasers which were sent copies of his Department's press notice issued in November 1982.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Association of Toy and Fancy Goods Factors and Importers and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents were made aware of the text of the Department's press notice issued on 8 November 1982, which was also published in the 19–25 November 1982 issue of "British Business". The editors of four trade journals were also told of the concern, and the Department's press office provided the text of the press notice to the national newspapers.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why he refused to meet representatives of the Association of Toy, Stationery and Fancy Goods Wholesalers to discuss the implications of the Scented Erasers (Safety) Order;
(2) if he will meet representatives of the wholesalers, importers and retailers of scented erasers before the temporary ban on the sale of these products ceases to apply.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherI told the Association of Toy, Stationery and Fancy Goods Wholesalers that because of the risk posed by scented erasers I had no intention of changing the prohibition order on them and I did not feel a meeting would serve any useful purpose.
However, I am meeting a wider group of associations representing importers and retailers as well as wholesalers to discuss the general principles involved in ensuring the safety of consumer goods and methods of consultation with interested parties.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many member states of the European Economic Community have taken action to ban the sale of scented erasers; how many have legislated to ban the sale of erasers which resembles sweets or food; and how many have taken no action.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherEire has banned from 1 February 1984
any non-food product intended for use by children unless it does not look, taste or smell like a sweet, sweetmeat or other confectionery or fruit or other food product".West Germany has had a food law since 15 August 1974 prohibiting the marketing of
381Wtoys in such a manner that they could be confused with foodstuffs".France intends to introduce a law banning
the import sale and distribution of certain non-food products which could be confused with food products because of smell, shape, presentation or packaging, even if these products are accompanied by a warning notice".There will be no list of products specifically prohibited.
I am informed that there is concern in Denmark and possibly in other EC Member States about such products.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a table showing the total numbers of persons who received treatment in accident and emergency departments of hospitals in consequence of their throats or digestive tracts being
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 Marbles 31 32 36 62 34 Erasers (not known if scented) 0 0 0 2 0
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of Trade and Industry why he sent to the Association of District Councils on 31 October 1983 a copy of a letter dated 27 September 1983 addressed to the Durham branch of that association on the subject of scented erasers indicating that he saw no need for any further action apart from the warnings issued to the trade; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherWhen I wrote on 27 September 1983 to the Durham county branch of the Association of District Councils my letter included the following sentences
I remain willing to consider further steps to prevent accidents with these products should there be evidence that the actions so far taken was insufficientand
In my view, no further action is called for at present, but I am ready to review the position if evidence shows that further measures are warranted".Trading standards officers subsequently reported that the smaller scented erasers were again appearing in the shops.