§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what qualifications are needed and what licensing is required of persons who engage in body piercing.[15975]
§ Ms JowellI have been asked to reply.
There are no statutory qualifications for cosmetic body piercers. Local authorities in London have powers either to license or to register cosmetic body piercing businesses. The majority of London local authorities have adopted licensing powers which enable them to set licensing conditions, including the qualifications of persons offering cosmetic body piercing. Local authorities outside London do not have similar powers. In October 1996, the Department consulted on a proposal to give local authorities outside London powers to control cosmetic body piercing businesses. We are currently considering the outcome of the consultation exercise.