§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy on the importation of fireworks.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythImported fireworks supplied in the United Kingdom must meet the same safety standards as those which are manufactured in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated value of fireworks imported into the United Kingdom annually for each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information requested is not available.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the importation of dangerous fireworks into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have received representations from several sources expressing concern that a reduction in safety standards may result from the removal of import licensing for fireworks following the creation of the European single market. I have been given assurances by the Health and Safety Executive that controls are being maintained by the restrictions on supply introduced by the Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfers of Explosives Regulations 1993.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he proposes to prevent the importation into the United Kingdom of fireworks that are dangerous to users and spectators or likely to be a fire hazard.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythFollowing the establishment of the single European market, import licence controls on all explosives, including fireworks were removed on 1 December 1993. These controls were replaced by a requirement under the Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfers of Explosives Regulations 1993 for explosives supplied in the United Kingdom whatever their origin, to be authorised by the Health and Safety Executive. In the case of fireworks, this requires compliance with British standard 7114 or an equivalent standard.