§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the firework industry regarding illegal storage of fireworks in(a) the west midlands, (b) Lancashire and (c) Leicestershire; and what action she has taken in response to those reports. [9793]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Department has received no representations from the fireworks industry regarding illegal storage of fireworks in the west midlands, Lancashire and Leicestershire.
§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what checks are undertaken(a) at ports of entry to ensure that bulk supplies of fireworks entering the UK are destined for licensed storage facilities and (b) to ensure that such supplies reach those facilities. [9790]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 24 October 2001]: HM Customs and Excise is responsible for undertaking intelligence-led, risk-based checks at ports of entry. Where it has concerns about fireworks reaching licensed storage facilities, it notifies the Health and Safety Executive and/or the relevant local authority.
§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from(a) the firework industry and (b) local authorities on (i) the 14-day rule allowing storage of fireworks for private use and (ii) the enforcement of fireworks safety and storage regulations. [9792]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Department has received no representations on the 14-day rule nor the enforcement of fireworks safety and storage regulations.