§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he had with the local authorities co-ordinating body on trading standards organisations about the provisions of the Scented Erasers (Safety) Order; and when the local authorities co-ordinating body on trading standards organisations was supplied with a draft copy of the order.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherLACOTS was consulted by telephone on 26 January 1984 about the adequacy for enforcement purposes of the proposed definitions in the order being drawn up by the Department's lawyers. LACOTS was sent a copy of the order on 30 January after I had made it.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice he has received from the local authorities co-ordinating body on trading standards organisations about the operation of the Scented Erasers (Safety) Order; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherI understand that the LACOTS safety panel considers that the order is enforceable and that detailed guidance to local authorities is unnecessary. It has, however, asked local authorities to liaise with it in case of difficulty.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next plans to meet representatives of the importers, wholesalers and retailers of scented erasers; and which bodies will be invited to the discussion.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherI met representatives of the importers, wholesalers and retailers of scented erasers on 5 March 1984. I have no plans to meet them again in the near future, but there will be consultation, involving as many interested organisations as possible, before decisions are taken on regulations covering this type of product on a permanent basis.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many letters were sent directly to him or to his Department by members of the general public on the subject of scented erasers before he introduced the Scented Erasers (Safety) Order.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherA total of 154 letters from consumers were received by the Department on the subject of scented erasers before the order was introduced. Of that total, 130 were passed on by the television programme "That's Life", four were received through hon. Members, nine through the local trading standards department, and 11 direct. I understand that many letters were also received by outside organisations.