§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken by his Department to educate children and parents about the dangers of fireworks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Howard[pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1986]: This year the Government are mounting a vigorous firework safety campaign, the aim of which is to persuade all users of fireworks, and especially children, to follow the firework code. Parents are being encouraged to take their children to organised displays rather than to set off fireworks at home, and advised, if they do still prefer private parties, to take special care. In addition, shopkeepers are being warned that if they sell fireworks to the under-16s they are liable to a £2,000 fine or three months imprisonment, and the police have been asked to be particularly alert to the problem of fireworks being thrown about in the street.