§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the current definition of toy in the Toy (Safety) Regulations 1974; if he will
32Wextend it to include any article which because of its size or appearance could be mistaken for a child's plaything; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Howard[pursuant to his reply, 2 May 1986, c. 526.]: The current definition is generally satisfactory. But I am aware that some goods, which would not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1974 because of sharp spikes or edges, excessive lead in paint or other reasons, are being supplied as novelties, collectors' items, figurines, executive toys, decorations or similar descriptions and that they are technically legal although likely to be played with by children. One of the benefits of the general safety requirement for consumer goods proposed in our White Paper (Cmnd. 9302) is that it will do much to close this loophole.
The definition of toy may be amended once the EC proposal for a toy safety directive is adopted by member states. This amendment may be a marginal improvement. I am considering the extent to which a definition along the lines of that proposed, would make a contribution to reducing the dangers to which children may be exposed.