§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the method of licensing for people performing ear-piercing and body piercing; and what plans he has to review the licensing procedure. [23318]
§ Ms JowellThe current registration and licensing provisions for ear-piercing and cosmetic body piercing business provisions are described in "Regulation of Skin Piercing: a Consultation Paper" issued jointly by the Department of Health and the Welsh Office in October 1996. Copies are available in the Library.
This consultation paper reviewed the current legislation which gives local authorities powers to control skin piercing businesses.
We are considering our response to the consultation exercise.