Fireworks Accidents

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 November 1969.

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Photo of Mr James Stodart Mr James Stodart , Edinburgh West 12:00, 19 November 1969

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of severe injuries were caused by fireworks in the last full year for which figures are known to him.

Photo of Mr Norman Buchan Mr Norman Buchan , Renfrewshire West

I have asked for details of fireworks injuries received by patients treated in hospital in the period between 13th October and 9th November, 1969, and these will be published as soon as possible. I regret that figures for earlier years are not available.

Photo of Mr James Stodart Mr James Stodart , Edinburgh West

Does not the Scottish Office keep similar figures to those which are kept for England and Wales? Has the Minister any reason to suppose that the regulations regarding the age at which fireworks may be sold to young people are being adequately observed?

Photo of Mr Norman Buchan Mr Norman Buchan , Renfrewshire West

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, as the hon. Gentleman knows—because he, too, was at the Scottish Office for a considerable period—that has not been the case. The Home Office has been keeping statistics largely for the purpose of discussions with manufacturers, with which, of course, we have been associated. I am getting the statistics for this year. The second part of the supplementary question is difficult. It is one of the matters which we hope to discuss with the manufacturers when discussions are held on the whole problem after we have analysed the statistics which we are now examining.

Photo of Mr Alexander Eadie Mr Alexander Eadie , Midlothian

Is my hon. Friend aware that our constituents are writing to us and asking us to ban the sale of fireworks to children? Is he aware that some co-operative organisations have already taken the initiative on this? Will not he give this matter more serious consideration? My constituents are alarmed about the number of injuries to children.

Photo of Mr Norman Buchan Mr Norman Buchan , Renfrewshire West

Yes. The figures this year look as if they will be better. This is largely due to increased public awareness and interest. On the larger question, all aspects of this will of course be under consideration.