§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the basis for the advice given by the Consumer Advice Unit of the Department of Trade and Industry not to purchase toys at Christmas from markets.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)My Lords, the Department of Trade and Industry issued an advice leaflet to shoppers to encourage them to think carefully about safety when considering what toys to buy children for Christmas. Part of the leaflet suggested that people should pick only quality toys, from a reputable shop or one of a well-known chain of shops. This advice was based on the experience of many years, and the number of complaints received by the Department of Trade and Industry and the main safety organisations and local trading standards departments, all of which gave similar advice. Clearly many other traders do take care in deciding what products to offer for sale. But the risk of buying a dangerous toy is greatly reduced if the advice given in the leaflet is followed.