§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of state for Northern Ireland if he will consult(a) the Northern Ireland Fireworks Association and (b) other interested parties before proceeding with the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002. [54118]
§ Jane KennedyThe Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 came into effect on 6 May.
648WRepresentatives for the fireworks industry in Northern Ireland were afforded an opportunity to put forward their views on the problem of fireworks misuse in February when they met with officials from my Department. In addition I received written representations from, among others, MLAs, local councils and members of the public and I considered carefully every representation before deciding that prohibiting the purchase, possession, sale and use of garden fireworks except under licence would be the most effective first step in addressing the problems of fireworks misuse.