§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the effect of the revocation of the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1986/1323 on the supply of fireworks to children under 16 years. [15818]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorAfter revocation of the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1986 it will remain illegal to supply fireworks to those aged under 16 as such supply would breach section 31 of the Explosives Act 1875, as amended by the Explosives (Age of Purchase) Act 1976. Breaches of this prohibition are triable by a magistrates court and currently may result in a fine of up to £5000. The 1986 regulations are being repealed as they reproduced the provisions of the 1875 Act as amended and also empowered the courts to impose a custodial sentence of up to six months for those convicted of the sale of fireworks to persons under 16. I understand the courts have never imposed a custodial sentence. Bearing in mind the scale of the fines which may now be imposed, the Government believe that it is no longer necessary to provide for a custodial sentence.