§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the regulation of body piercing and tattooing establishments in Northern Ireland. [172029]
§ Angela SmithPowers for the regulation by district councils of tattooing and ear-piercing establishments in Northern Ireland are provided by Part V of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
Under this legislation, district councils may resolve to control tattooing and ear-piercing practices in their districts by requiring practitioners to register themselves and their premises with the district council. They may also make bye-laws concerning the cleanliness of registered premises and practitioners, and for the cleansing and sterilisation of instruments, materials and equipment with their district council.
262WThe Government intend to publish draft legislation for consultation later this year which would bring forward legislative proposals to extend these arrangements to body-piercing practices.