§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he now anticipates the draft regulations concerning the safety of domestic electrical plugs and sockets will come into effect; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe House may recall that in response to a similar question in July of last year from the hon. Member for Tyne Bridge (Mr. Clelland) I said that we intended to submit the draft plug and socket regulations to Parliament during the early part of this Session. This is still our intention. However, following further consultation with the electrical industry, it has been agreed that there is a need to allow a longer period for implementation of certain provisions than I then indicated.
461WIn these circumstances and subject to the approval of Parliament the revised timetable for the implementation of the proposed plug and socket regulations is as follows:
1 September 1987: For manufacturers and importers (first suppliers): plugs (other than standard 13 amp), sockets and adaptors covered by the regulations must comply with the relevant British Standard or be approved by a specified person. Standard 13 amp plugs must comply with British Standard 1363: 1984 including Amendments 1 and 2, or provide an equivalent level of safety.1 March 1988: For manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers: plugs (other than standard 13 amp), sockets and adaptors must comply with the relevant British Standard or be approved by a specified person. Standard 13 amp plugs must comply with British Standard 1363: 1984 including Amendments 1 and 2, or provide an equivalent level of safety.1 September 1988: Standard 13 amp plugs must be approved by a specified person.