§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will identify any obstacles to requiring pre-fitted plugs on electrical appliances to meet the requests of disabled people including those with wasting muscle and other difficulties in manipulating appliances.
§ Mr. LeighThe proposed regulations will retain the approval of safety requirement of the Plugs and Sockets Etc. (Safety) Regulations 1987. It is likely that manufacturers will ordinarily choose to fit the standard design 13 amp plug because this is the type that is commonly used in the majority of households. However, provided that the plug to be fitted has the necessary approval the proposed regulations will not prevent manufacturers from fitting plugs to their appliances that are adapted for use by the disabled.
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.