§ Mr. LyonsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to prevent misuse of fireworks. [117395]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply.
I apologise for the delay in replying.
The Police and Criminal Justice Act 2001 introduced fixed penalty notices for disorder–letting-off of fireworks in a public place is one of the offences covered by the scheme. In addition the Department for Trade and Industry introduced a voluntary agreement with the firework industry from January 2003 preventing the supply of airbombs. The Government also supported the Private Member's Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan), which received royal assent on the 18 September and which will allow more effective controls on fireworks.