§ Mr. HendrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement concerning fireworks. [76117]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonOn 15 October I announced tough new measures to cut the number of firework injuries. The new measures, which will also cut down on the problems of noise and nuisance, include
910Wproposed new regulations banning air bombs;a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks with improved co-ordination of intelligence between Customs and Excise, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards Departments; anda new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance caused by fireworks.Also:Home Office are piloting fixed penalty notices of £40 in four areas for over 18s caught throwing fireworks in the street.The announcement coincides with the launch of a new hard-hitting national safety campaign including posters and TV to highlight the injuries teenagers have suffered from fireworks misuse.