§ Linda GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the fireworks injury statistics for 2001; and if she will make a statement. [42754]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe total number of persons recorded as attending hospital casualty departments in Great Britain during the 2001 bonfire night period was 1362. This represents an increase of 40 per cent on the previous year's total of 972. There were no deaths in the 2001 Bonfire period but we are aware of one death occurring outside the recording period.
The increase in recorded accidents causes great concerns. We continue to do all we can to promote safety and to prevent misuse of fireworks.
I am arranging for copies of the injury figures together with the analytical and regional tables to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses as well as on the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk.