§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all the bodies he(a) has consulted and (b) intends to consult on regulations to require that all new electrical appliances are sold with a pre-fitted plug.
§ Mr. LeighMy Department is currently drawing up a consultative list from industry, trade associations, the enforcement authorities and consumer bodies, including those representing the disabled, who have an interest in the proposed regulations.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which groups representing disabled groups he is consulting on his proposed regulations to require that all new electrical appliances are sold with a pre-fitted plug.
§ Mr. LeighMy Department is currently drawing up a list of consultees with an interest in the proposed regulations, which will include representatives of the disabled.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 3 March,Official 473W Report, column 130, on fitted plugs, what consideration he has given to drafting the regulations in such a way as to make it a requirement for pre-fitted plugs on electrical appliances to meet the requirements of disabled people including those with wasting muscles and other difficulties in manipulating appliances.
§ Mr. LeighThe proposed regulations will not prevent manufacturers fitting approved plugs to their appliances which are adapted to meet the requirements of the disabled, although it must be expected that manufacturers will in the main fit the standard design 13 amp plug because this is most commonly used in the majority of households.
Moreover the type of plug and devices which assist the disabled will still be available for people who wish to continue to fit them to their appliances.