§ Ms StuartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which manufacturers of confectionery containing toys have provided instructions for action to be taken in the event of ingestion of such toys or their container; [73825]
266W(2) if he will consult consumer, safety and medical experts on the risks to children of choking on toys placed inside confectionery and the steps necessary to prevent it. [73827]
§ Dr. HowellsI am not aware of any manufacturers providing medical advice on action to be taken in the event of toys being ingested. All toys supplied in the UK—no matter how they are packaged—must meet the safety requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 which implement harmonised European requirements. Research undertaken by DTI has established that the main causes of choking involving children under three years of age are sweets, coins and food objects—none of which is required to be accompanied by medical advice.
DTI has had the issue of choking accidents involving young children under review for some time; has considered information published in various papers; has considered various comments received; and has commissioned research on accident data collected by the Home Accident Surveillance System. However, I would of course welcome any new data or results of research that consumer organisations may be aware of.
§ Ms StuartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which reporting category in the HASS system specifically covers choking on, or ingestion of, toys placed by manufacturers inside confectionery; [73826]
(2) which manufacturers of confectionery containing toys have asked his Department for product-specific case listings from the Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System. [73828]
§ Dr. HowellsInjuries involving toys or parts of toys are recorded under category 21 of table 10 in the Home Accident Surveillance System report. Details of accidents, including case listings, can also be extracted from the database according to the accident mechanism, e.g. choking. The various ways in which HASS can be interrogated ensures that all the home accidents treated by the A&E departments of the participating hospitals can be accessed.
Data from HASS records are freely available on request to manufacturers, organisations and individuals with an interest in consumer safety. Comprehensive lists of those requesting information are not maintained.