§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many firework-related injuries were referred to hospitals in the period around 5 November 1994.
§ Mr. HeseltineAccident and emergency units in hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland treated 1,574 people for injuries caused by fireworks. That is an increase over the total reported for 1993. An analysis of the figures for 1994 and for the previous four years will be placed today in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.
It is of concern that firework injuries should have increased, that there were two accidental deaths, and that almost 500 of the injuries appear to have been due to illegal misuse.
My Department is in touch with representatives of the fireworks industry and of enforcement authorities to discuss ways in which fireworks injuries can be reduced.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the latest statistics on firework incidents and injuries. [18975]
§ Mr. HeseltineI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Hawkins).