§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that all personal computers pass safety tests prior to sale to the public;
(2) what safety tests his Department requires to be undertaken on personal computers; and who is responsible for carrying out the tests.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: The safety of most electrical equipment including personal computers traded throughout the European Community is set by the EC low voltage directive, implemented in the United Kingdom through the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1989. I would certainly encourage all manufacturers to carry out tests on their products or have them independently tested, and I believe this is the normal practice. However, neither method is mandatory. the fundamental requirement is for the product to be safe.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department first learned about possible dangers of electrocution from personal computers; when it issued a public warning; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: Personal computers are required to comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1989. The Department was notified on 29 May of tests carried out by a testing company and subsequently received reports showing, inter alia, that four models did not fully meet the relevant standard. In accordance with normal practice the trading standards authorities responsible for enforcing the safety regulations for electrical equipment including personal computers 598W have been or will be informed of the reports received. It is for them to establish the facts and to take the appropriate action.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to ensure that unsafe personal computers are recalled without delay.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: This is a matter for the local trading standards authorities, which are responsible for enforcing the safety regulations for electrical equipment including personal computers.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what circumstances his Department permits personal computers to go on sale without testing for safety.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: There is no obligation under the EC low voltage directive, which has for a number of years dictated the safety of electrical products, including personal computers, for products to be formally tested prior to sale. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that products are safe and the regulations provide for heavy penalties for those who market unsafe equipment.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure the application of British safety standards to computers and computer peripherals sold in or imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: All electrical products including computers and peripherals are required to comply with the EC low voltage directive which is implemented into United Kingdom legislation through the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1989. One means of conforming with these regulations is through compliance with British standards. This is not, however, the only means of conformity; the fundamental requirement is that they be safe.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to make British safety standards mandatory for computers and computer peripherals used in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: No. Where products fall under the requirements of European legislation as in this case with the EC low voltage directive, individual member states cannot insist on mandatory compliance with national standards as this would be regarded as a barrier to trade.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what checks are maintained to ensure the safety of computers and computer peripherals imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: The safety of computer equipment marketed to consumers in the United Kingdom is subject to enforcement by the local trading standards authority.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates he has of computer products being sold in the United Kingdom which do not meet British standards of safety codes; and what steps he is taking to monitor and change this situation.
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§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 18 June 1990]: Records are not kept on the extent to which computer equipment sold in the United Kingdom complies with British safety standards and I do not believe it would be practicable to introduce such a system.