HC Deb 04 November 2003 vol 412 cc554-5W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to tackle the public use of Chinese fireworks; and if she will make a statement. [135756]

Mr. Sutcliffe

Most fireworks sold to the general public in the United Kingdom originate in China. But whether fireworks are imported or made here in the UK, all which are intended for use by the general public must meet the requirements of the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 and the British Standard BS 7114, the safety standard governing the safe construction, testing and labelling of consumer fireworks.

We advise the public therefore to buy only fireworks marked as complying with "BS 7114 Part 2". Also it is illegal for shopkeepers to sell fireworks to the public which do not meet the requirements of the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 and BS 7114.

Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) in respect of what(a) weight and (b) number of items of fireworks import licences were granted to Global Fireworks Ltd. (i) prior to 5 April 2002, (ii) between 6 April 2002 and 5 April 2003 and (iii) from 6 April 2003 to date; [135638]

(2) how many import licences for fireworks were granted to Global Fireworks Ltd.. (a) prior to 5 April 2002, (b) between 6 April 2002 and 5 April 2003 and(c) from 6 April 2003 to date. [135646]

Mr. Sutcliffe

Licensing controls on imports of fireworks from China applied from 15 March 1994 to 10 March 2003. Licences specified weight of shipment rather than the number of items. The ending of the licensing regime was one of the conditions of China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The following licences were issued to Global Fireworks Ltd.:

  1. (a) Prior to 5 April 2002: four licences totalling 103,608 kg
  2. (b) Between 6 April 2002 and 5 April 2003: no licences issued
  3. (c) From 6 April 2003 to date: no licences issued.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to tackle the sale of illegal fireworks through the internet; and if she will make a statement. [135784]

Mr. Sutcliffe

United Kingdom based companies selling over the internet are subject to the provisions of the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. We cannot legislate for those companies who operate outside the UK. However, we advise consumers to exercise the utmost caution when buying fireworks over the internet from outside the UK. Also it is illegal to supply fireworks in the UK which have not been classified by Health and Safety Executive's Explosives Inspectorate.