§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many shopkeepers have been prosecuted and convicted of selling fireworks to under-age children for the latest period of 12 months for which figures are available.
§ Mr. HowardThe figures for the number of convictions under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1986, which enable persons selling fireworks to children under the age of 16 to be tried in a magistrates' court, will be published in the early autumn. Figures for convictions under previous legislation are not available.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to seek to amend legislation controlling fireworks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1986, which enable persons selling fireworks to children under 16 to be tried in a magistrates' court were made last summer, and similar provisions relating to persons574W throwing fireworks in the streets are included in the Consumer Protection Bill now going through Parliament. This legislation will need to be in place for some time before its effect can be evaluated. My Department reviews annually with the Health and Safety Executive and the firework industy the legislative and other steps needed to reduce firework injuries in the light of the accident arid injury statistics and of a careful assessment of existing measures.