Safety Standards (Toys)

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 7th May 1959.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester North West 12:00 am, 7th May 1959

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the report of the committee set up by the Portsmouth Junior Chamber of Commerce to inquire into the causes of accidents to children, that the majority are attributable to unsafe toys, a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether he will consider the formation of a toy advisory group to examine toys for safety and suitability and then issue seals of approval.

Photo of Mr David Eccles Mr David Eccles , Chippenham

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 5th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, West (Mrs. McLaughlin).

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester North West

But has the Minister seen the report which was issued by the committee referred to in the Question? Would he say now that he intends to set up an advisory committee, in view of the exhaustive inquiry made by that committee which resulted in proving that these toys were extremely dangerous from the point of view of accidents to children?

Photo of Mr David Eccles Mr David Eccles , Chippenham

Some of the recommendations of the report come within the purview of the Home Secretary, and it may be that the British Standards Institution could work out an effective specification for safety for toys. If it could, we would certainly look at it, but my right hon. Friend and I are studying these recommendations.