§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to bring in a registration scheme for skin piercers and to enable byelaws, including the imposition of a minimum age limit, to be made under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982; and if he will make a statement. [22819]
§ Mr. BowisI have been asked to reply.
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 1982 gives local authorities in England and Wales the power to make byelaws requiring acupuncturists, tattooists, ear piercers and electrolysists to be registered. All the legislation relating to the registration of skin piercing by local authorities is currently being reviewed and a consultation paper will be issued shortly.
The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 makes it an offence to tattoo someone below the age of 16. The Government have no plans to introduce an age limit for other forms of skin piercing.