National Campaign for Firework Safety


Parliament in 2001
Part One 23rd January to 30th October 2001


House of Lords where stated, otherwise House of Commons
Scottish Parliament in blue


23 January 2001

Fireworks

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many successful prosecutions have taken place under the Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997 with respect to (a) sales of aerial shells, aerial maroons, bangers, mini-rockets and fireworks of erratic flight to the public and (b) sales of fireworks to under 18-year-olds. [146681]

Dr. Howells: This information is not held by the Department and could be obtained only by incurring disproportionate costs.

24 January 2001

Fireworks

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have accessed his Department's website concerning firework safety. [146682]

Dr. Howells: The DTI's fireworks safety schools website achieved over 1,500 visits between October 2000 and early January 2001. Other DTI websites that provide information on fireworks, are the consumer affairs and home safety network sites. Information on visits to the latter two sites cannot be broken down separately into fireworks alone.

25 January 2001

Fireworks

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful prosecutions have taken place with regard to (a) fireworks causing distress to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 in each year from 1990 to date and (b) throwing or setting off fireworks in the street under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875. [146683]

Mr. Charles Clarke: Information collected centrally on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database does not identify the act of cruelty involved where offenders have been convicted under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.
Available information showing the number of persons prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for the throwing or setting off of fireworks in the street are given in the table.
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates courts and convicted at all courts under S80 of the Explosives Act 1875, England and Wales, 1990-99

  
   
     
   
 
     
 

  (29) Offenders convicted as a proportion of the number prosecuted
Throwing, casting or firing any fireworks in or into any highway, street, etc. public place--S.80 the Explosive Act 1875
Source: Home Office Court Proceedings Database

14 February 2001

Fireworks

Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the subject of pollution from the use of fireworks over the last Christmas and New Year period; and if he will make a statement. [148168]

Mr. Hill: I am not aware of any such representations. I have had a letter from a Member concerning noise from fireworks over the holiday period.
Levels of air pollution measured by the national monitoring network remained low throughout this time in most parts of England. There were two occasions when levels of particles (PM 1 0 at roadsides were recorded as moderate--on 23 December in central London and on 30 December in Bury in Greater Manchester. These incidents are most likely to have been caused by motor vehicle emissions during stable atmospheric dispersion conditions. Any contribution to the levels of those pollutants from the ignition of fireworks are likely to have been small. The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sets objectives for the main air pollutants. The objective for particles allows for the 24-hour mean to be exceeded no more than 35 times a year. In part, this is to provide for annual events such as bonfire night and other festivals where fire and fireworks form part of the celebration. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment announced that we shall consult on proposals for a new objective for particles later this year.

15 February 2001

Fireworks

Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received about the sale of fireworks; what plans he has to further restrict the sale and use of fireworks; what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of current legislation of the control and use of fireworks; and if he will make a statement. [150022]

Dr. Howells: I have received a total of 361 representations on firework safety matters during the period 1 September 2000 to 31 January 2001, comprised of 155 letters from parliamentary colleagues, six parliamentary questions and 200 letters from the public.
The Consumers Protection Act 1987 provides powers to deal with the intrinsic safety of goods, including fireworks, but not to regulate when they are sole or used. The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 introduced comprehensive controls on the types and sizes of fireworks which can be sold to the public. I have made no formal assessment of the effectiveness of the 1997 regulations, but my Department continues to monitor movements in the annual firework injury statistics.

6 March 2001

Fireworks

Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many commercial fireworks were imported into the United Kingdom in the last 12 months for which figures are available; what controls apply as to their end use; and if he will make a statement. [152369]

Dr. Howells: The overseas trade statistics do not separately identify commercial fireworks or provide numbers imported. The value and weight of fireworks imported into the United Kingdom during the 12 months from December 1999 to November 2000 are £22.4 million and 12,575 metric tons respectively.
The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 introduced comprehensive controls on the types and sizes of fireworks which can be sold to the public.

8 March 2001

Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle): My right hon. Friend will know that last year we in the United Kingdom imported 12,500 tonnes of fireworks, worth £22 million. Does she share my incredulity that there are no official statistics on the number of commercial fireworks that are imported? They are monster explosives, which can kill and maim. Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Lancashire Evening Telegraph has been documenting the havoc caused by those monster explosives in east Lancashire? Phone boxes and two cars have been blown up. Last month, a van was blown up outside the house of an 86-year-old woman. A park pavilion has been blown up. Last October, a man died. May I urge my right hon. Friend to hold an early debate on the importation of commercial fireworks and their end use, because it is clear that those lethal devices are leaching into the market and that many people who buy them use them with scant regard to their impact on the general public?

Mrs. Beckett: My hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. I admit that I was not familiar with the scale of the events that he describes in his part of the country. I understand his anxiety and concern. Equally, I was not aware--although I can perhaps understand why--that commercial fireworks are not differentiated from others in the statistics. I am not 100 per cent. sure, but from memory, I think that this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I will certainly draw it to the relevant Minister's attention. I fear that I cannot offer to hold a debate on the Floor of the House, but it seems to be exactly the kind of subject that my hon. Friend might raise with profit in Westminster Hall.


Wednesday 14 March 2001, Scottish Parliament,

Anti-social behaviour

Paul Martin: The criminal justice system must deal with the difficulties that we face with anti-social neighbours. Some of the current difficulties come from the criminal justice system itself. I have often had difficulties ......
Far too often I have spoken to police officers who have advised me that it is for local authorities to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour. When someone lets a firework out of their living-room window, it is not only a local authority issue but a police issue. It is about time that all the authorities took ownership of the difficulties that we face in coming up with measures to deal with anti-social behaviour. In the bill, we must put together a framework for that.

Thursday 5 April 2001, Scottish Parliament,

Fireworks

John Young (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has cost police forces, the ambulance and fire services, the NHS and local authorities to deal with incidents arising from the use or misuse of fireworks over the last five years.
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Iain Gray): Information of the kind the member has asked for is not recorded, but the careless use of fireworks still causes too many injuries. The message to be driven home is that fireworks are explosives and must be handled accordingly.
John Young: I thank the minister for his reply. I mentioned various bodies that can be involved in fireworks incidents. Those include Scottish ambulance services, the Scottish NHS, Scottish fire departments, the Scottish police, Scottish local authorities and, indeed, the Scottish taxpayer.
Is the minister aware that in communications that I have had with Tony Blair's office, and with Kim Howells, the appropriate minister, the response that I have received is that the matter must remain reserved under the Explosives Act 1876? In view of that, would the Scottish Executive be prepared to make an approach to its counterparts in Westminster to have the matter cease to be reserved and brought under the control of the Scottish Parliament?
The Presiding Officer: Order. Order all round. There are to be no conversations, please, when a question is being asked. The question is, in any case, too long, so let us have the answer.
John Young: My final point, if I may, Presiding Officer, is that Guy Fawkes is part of English history. Why is he celebrated here in Scotland?


20 July 2001

Fireworks Injuries

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the fireworks injuries statistics for the 2000 bonfire night period; and if she will make a statement. [6462]

Nigel Griffiths: The total number of persons recorded as attending hospital casualty departments in Great Britain during the 2000 bonfire night period was 972. This represents a decrease of 8 per cent. on the previous year's total of 1,056. However, there were two deaths in the 2000 bonfire period; these are the first firework related deaths since 1996.

25 October 2001

Fireworks (Accidents)

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries were caused by fireworks in each of the last 10 years. [9603] 

Miss Melanie Johnson: The number of deaths and injuries caused by fireworks in each of the last 10 years is given in the following table. The seriousness of injuries is not separately identified in the annual statistics.

 
   
     
   
 
     
 

Fireworks

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action is being taken by (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) other parts of his Department to ensure that bulk fireworks entering the UK are taken to licensed storage facilities; and what checks are made at the port of entry. [9788]
Dr. Whitehead [holding answer 24 October 2001]: Neither DTLR nor HSE carries out routine checks at the port of entry on bulk fireworks entering Great Britain or on their destination. Any such arrangements would be a disproportionate burden on industry and would not be an effective use of enforcement resources.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from the firework industry on the control and monitoring of bulk supplies of fireworks entering the UK, with particular reference to checks at ports of entry. [9789]

Dr. Whitehead [holding answer 24 October 2001]: We have received no representations from the fireworks industry on the control and monitoring of bulk supplies of fireworks entering the UK. HM Customs and Excise undertakes intelligence led risk-based checks at ports of entry and where it has concerns it would notify HSE and/or the relevant local authority for the fireworks' destination.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from (a) the firework industry and (b) local authorities regarding reports of illegal storage of fireworks in (i) the west Midlands, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) Leicestershire; and what action he has taken in response to those representations. [9787]

Dr. Whitehead [holding answer 24 October 2001]: We have received no representations from the fireworks industry or from local authorities on reports of illegal storage of fireworks in the west Midlands, Lancashire and Leicestershire. However, I understand local authorities in Lancashire and Leicestershire have contacted HSE for advice about illegal storage of fireworks. I understand that enforcement action has been taken by local authorities.

26 October 2001

Sporting Events (Fireworks)

Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to make it a criminal offence for members of the crowd at sporting events to set off fireworks; and if he will make a statement. [9481]

Mr. Denham: The police already possess extensive powers for tackling the setting off of fireworks at sporting events, including powers under the Public Order Act 1986. This matter was examined as part of a recent review of cricket disorder when it was decided not to extend football-related legislation to other sporting events, none of which have comparable disorder problems.

Fireworks

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the firework industry regarding illegal storage of fireworks in (a) the west midlands, (b) Lancashire and (c) Leicestershire; and what action she has taken in response to those reports. [9793]

Miss Melanie Johnson [holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Department has received no representations from the fireworks industry regarding illegal storage of fireworks in the west midlands, Lancashire and Leicestershire.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what checks are undertaken (a) at ports of entry to ensure that bulk supplies of fireworks entering the UK are destined for licensed storage facilities and (b) to ensure that such supplies reach those facilities. [9790]

Miss Melanie Johnson [holding answer 24 October 2001]: HM Customs and Excise is responsible for undertaking intelligence-led, risk-based checks at ports of entry. Where it has concerns about fireworks reaching licensed storage facilities, it notifies the Health and Safety Executive and/or the relevant local authority.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from (a) the firework industry and (b) local authorities on (i) the 14-day rule allowing storage of fireworks for private use and (ii) the enforcement of fireworks safety and storage regulations. [9792]

Miss Melanie Johnson [holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Department has received no representations on the 14-day rule nor the enforcement of fireworks safety and storage regulations.

30 October 2001

Fireworks

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from (a) the firework industry and (b) local authorities regarding fireworks being stored in unlicensed premises and sold illegally door to door. [9791]

Miss Melanie Johnson [holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Department has received representations from the British Pyrotechnists Association regarding fireworks being stored in unlicensed premises, but no representations from local authorities. No representations have been received regarding door to door sales.

PETITION
Fireworks

10.13 pm
Mr. Bob Laxton (Derby, North): I wish to present a petition sent to me by one of my constituents, Sue Williams, on behalf of AFFA--All Fireworks Frighten Animals. It is from the residents of Derby, Harrow, Wembley and other places and declares that
"animals face unnecessary terror for weeks surrounding 5 November due to the indiscriminate use of fireworks.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons pass legislation to place further restricts on the sale of fireworks to the general public.

And the petitioners remain, etc."
To lie upon the Table.

Fireworks

12.30 pm
Joan Ryan (Enfield, North): I am pleased to have secured this debate at such an appropriate time, as there is somewhat less than a week to go until 5 November and bonfire night. It is particularly appropriate to debate such a topic in this place. I enjoy firework displays. I have always taken my kids to see them and they have enjoyed them. It is right that we commemorate a momentous occasion in British history. However, some serious issues must be tackled.
The sale of fireworks through retail outlets should be prohibited. I would like the Minister to comment on that. I hold that view for three key reasons. The first is the level of injury to individuals, in particular young people. In the most extreme cases, fireworks cause fatalities--two were recorded last year. My second key reason is the incidence of criminal damage. For example, I have had conversations in the past couple of years with British Telecom, which recorded 5,000 incidents of firework-related vandalism involving public payphones last year. The criminal damage costs so far this year are running at about £1.2 million and the burden of those costs is ultimately born by the taxpayer and the consumer.
My third reason for seeking a prohibition on the retail sale of fireworks is that they make people afraid. Fear is a less tangible phenomenon than the other two that I have listed, but it is none the less profound. Fear, anxiety and distress particularly affect some of the more vulnerable members of our society. I receive letters every year from elderly people and their relatives, telling me that those people are very nervous about going out of doors when darkness falls. Some of them are frightened to go out at all at this time of year. I also receive similar letters from other groups, but I use elderly people as an example.

Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington): Like the hon. Lady, I have received many letters on the subject, including a petition bearing many names. If the sale of fireworks from retail premises is not banned, would she agree that perhaps there should be some control over the time of year during which fireworks are used? Nowadays, it seems as though they are used throughout the year.

Joan Ryan : I agree. When I was thinking about this debate, I considered saying that firework accidents and attacks are now considered an inevitable, seasonal event, but in fact that is no longer the case. Fireworks are let off at new year and for other festivals, so it is not feasible to rely on the provision in the voluntary code for a three-week sales period before bonfire night. There are other festivals at other times of the year, so relying on that provision would not be fair and would not tackle the problem of the level of injuries and criminal damage. That is why I want a ban.
I have outlined three key reasons why a ban should be imposed. With respect to fear, many hon. Members, including myself, receive letters from people concerned about the distress and fear caused to their pets and animals by the--generally illegal--letting off of fireworks in the street.

David Cairns (Greenock and Inverclyde): My hon. Friend is right to focus on the number of accidents and on the distress that animals can be caused. Is she aware of the increase in the use of fireworks as weapons? In two incidents in my constituency at the weekend, a cat and a dog were severely injured by gangs of thugs who were using fireworks as weapons, firing them at the animals.

Joan Ryan : My hon. Friend makes his point well. It adds further weight to my argument that we should consider the prohibition of sales through retail outlets, rather than regulation. That way forward has not proved effective.
The misuse and abuse of fireworks and the injuries caused by them continue, despite the well-intentioned Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. Those most notably banned the sale to and use by the general public of aerial shells and similar devices. The statistics unfortunately and overwhelmingly demonstrate the impotence of the regulations in securing greater public safety throughout the firework season. The number of injuries from fireworks was higher in 1999 and 2000 than in 1998, which illustrates that the 8 per cent. reduction in casualties from 1997 to 1998 was merely arbitrary and owed nothing to the implementation of the regulations. The present legislation makes it extremely difficult for trading standards officers and the police to deal effectively with the sale and misuse of fireworks. Statistics demonstrate that tightening laws and increasing penalties for those guilty of the criminal use of fireworks will not be enough to curtail firework injuries.
For the past five years, the illegal use of fireworks has consistently been the second largest cause of firework-related injuries, but the primary cause has been family and private parties. Deliberate misuse is therefore not the only culprit; we must also consider the genuine use of fireworks as instruments of celebration. The evidence demonstrates that merely trying to eradicate the misuse of fireworks will not combat the high rate of firework-related injuries. It is therefore necessary to conclude that the thorough prohibition of the sale of fireworks to the general public is the only means by which firework-related injuries, accidents and damage can satisfactorily be tackled.
Those with vested interests, such as commercial manufacturers whose profits and employees would be affected, would obviously object to such a measure. Their economic gains are economic losses for others, such as the health service and ultimately, therefore, the taxpayer who must pick up the tab for firework-related injuries. Others who might face losses include individuals and private sector companies whose property incurs severe criminal damage.

Mr. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh, North and Leith): My hon. Friend will be aware that there was a serious incident in my constituency last week--a fire in premises where fireworks were being stored for the retail trade. Does she agree that attention needs to be paid to not only the immediate point of sale, but the whole chain of sale? Does she agree that such incidents require the Government and industry to reconsider their approach to the voluntary code of practice to prevent incidents at any point in the sale chain?

Joan Ryan : I agree with my hon. Friend. As I said, and my hon. Friend confirmed, regulation simply has not proved effective. There is a fundamental assumption in any social democracy that commercial viability cannot go unchecked, but must be balanced against the wider principles of public welfare and safety. Although commercial vested interests would argue against prohibition, the weight of the argument is in favour of it and of protecting the public.
In response to a parliamentary question about firework-related injuries from my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy) in July, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry stated:
"We will further target this age group as part of the 2001 firework safety campaign."--[Official Report, 20 July 2001; Vol. 371, c. 606W.]
Indeed, that was so, and we should give credit for that campaign. It has been appropriately targeted, with a higher profile than any campaign that I have been aware of for many years. However, therein lies our problem. Legislation requires that consumers of fireworks be aged 18. Statistics show, however, that the greatest percentage of fireworks injuries--despite the 1997 regulations, which raised from 16 to 18 the age at which one could buy fireworks--are to those aged 15 and under. Those account for 40 to 50 per cent. of all fireworks injuries in the past five years.
The evidence clearly shows the effectiveness of the legislation. The Secretary of State's answer in July and the targeting of the safety campaign in the media are explicit acknowledgement that the under-15 group is at high risk of fireworks injuries. Simultaneously there is an implicit acknowledgement that current statute, namely the increase in the 1997 regulations of the age for purchasing fireworks from 16 to 18, does not prevent access to fireworks for people under the age limit.
Even aside from the problem that all age certification entails--that of unscrupulous retailers who sell merchandise to those who are under age--firework safety cannot be guaranteed by ensuring that statutes are more vigorously enforced. Age alone does not qualify someone in the responsible and competent handing of what are, essentially, explosives. We could use the analogy of driving licences. Someone who reaches the age at which it is possible legally to hold a driving licence cannot then just get in a car and drive down the road. They must take lessons and pass a test. However, on reaching 18 someone can buy fireworks whether competent to handle them or not. We should bear in mind that fireworks are explosives.

Mr. David Crausby (Bolton, North-East): I have a 78-year-old constituent who was constantly bombarded, until she was forced to ask the council to move her. Youths as young as 12 have been involved. Should not such cases persuade us that the voluntary code is not working and that fireworks are available to anyone who wants to purchase them?

Joan Ryan : I agree with my hon. Friend. I am sure that most hon. Members could give instances of their constituents being subjected to intolerable fear and persecution because of the illegal use of fireworks by youngsters.

Mr. Bob Laxton (Derby, North): The problem is getting worse. I shall tonight present to the House a petition with about 28,000 names, from an organisation that is concerned about, for example, the impact on pets. I have tapes from individuals who need guide dogs. Fireworks can send the animals into complete panic, which restricts the ability of the people concerned to get out and about and lead normal lives at this time. The difficulty is not even restricted to this period of the year; it happens at other times, such as the millennium and Christmas, and at private parties. I believe that it is getting worse.

Joan Ryan : I am sure that some people would respond to a call for prohibition by claiming that there was a civil liberties issue to be considered. However, balance is necessary. One person's freedom is, after all, another person's prison. Human rights legislation also states that people have the right to quiet enjoyment of their property. Many people feel that that right has not been afforded to them. It is an issue of safety and balance, and safety must be paramount.
Legislation, despite its theoretical accuracy, is only as good as its implementation. Some would argue that legislation already exists that makes the misuse of fireworks an offence, which is correct. In reality, however, fireworks cause distress, anxiety and injury to an intolerable number of people as well as considerable criminal damage during every firework season and, more than ever before, throughout the year. We must emphasise that injury is not caused simply through the misuse of fireworks. Both the legal and illegal use of fireworks cause major problems, and that is why a prohibition is necessary.
I quote two examples that have already been quoted in the House and which show how legal and illegal use can cause loss of life. Dale Mitchell, a 10-year-old, died in 1996 after a lit firework was pushed through the letterbox of his family home. That is an example of the illegal use of fireworks. In the case of David Hattersley, however, fireworks were being used with the best of intentions. He was headmaster of Hazlemere primary school, and lost his life in November 1996, when he stumbled forward as he supervised the school's annual firework display.
Last year, 972 people were admitted to hospital as a result of firework injuries, but the actual number of injuries may have be significantly higher. Numerous statistics show the need for reform of the firework legislation. I hope that I, and my hon. Friends who have intervened, have made a case for it. The Government believe that it is required because in 1997 they supported a private Member's Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton, which was unfortunately talked out in 1998. They supported key measures in that Bill to deal with the licensing, training and qualification of those organising public and private firework displays. That is the way forward, along with a prohibition on the sale of fireworks. With those measures, we may all enjoy fireworks safely.
The British Retail Consortium will put to the Home Office later today its ideas for a national scheme to allow retailers to identify genuine proof-of-age cards. That may not solve the problem, but it might be a step in the right direction if we cannot achieve a complete prohibition.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Miss Melanie Johnson) : I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Joan Ryan) on securing this debate, which is clearly topical. I am delighted to say a few words on the issue, as I know from my postbag that many people have concerns about it, which my hon. Friend and other hon. Members have raised effectively.
The sale of fireworks, although it is important, forms only a part of the overall firework scene. I stress the fact that fireworks are well regulated in many regards in the United Kingdom. The Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997 were made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and played a significant role in reducing the number of firework injuries treated in accident and emergency departments around the firework season of 5 November. Through regulations, we have restricted the general retail of certain types of potentially dangerous fireworks to those who are qualified professionals. We have the regulatory powers to deal with the antisocial practice of letting off fireworks in the street, and other such practices--but that is a question not only of regulation but of enforcement.
Millions of fireworks are sold and millions used safely each year in people's back gardens, providing a popular form of family entertainment. Many others enjoy public displays, and I hope that people will continue to enjoy fireworks in such ways. The vast majority of accidents involving fireworks are caused by misuse--partly by people not following the fireworks code and partly by the action of irresponsible individuals and hooligans. My hon. Friend referred to the British Retail Consortium's possible proof-of-age cards. The statistics show that a large number of those injured are quite young and many are under the legal age for being able to acquire fireworks.
My hon. Friend made several important points about the sale of fireworks through retail outlets. Under the 1997 regulations and the other legislation that impinges on the retailing of fireworks, all fireworks have to comply with British standard 7114, which governs their construction, labelling, testing and so on. Any products on sale that do not comply with that standard can be removed by trading standards officers. No fireworks may be sold to anyone under 18 years of age. That rule is also enforced by the trading standards department. Those who break the rules are subject to prosecution. We must examine how effectively that enforcement is being carried out and in what ways people aged under 18 are acquiring fireworks, as many are.
The legislation that controls the storage of fireworks is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive, but the Act requires shops that keep fireworks to be registered with the local authority, thereby informing it of the premises where fireworks are kept and enabling them to undertake inspections to ensure compliance with the law. Considerable effort has been made under the present regulations to protect consumers from unsafe products and to ensure that the storage and handling of potentially dangerous products is controlled.
My hon. Friend asked about the period during which fireworks are available for sale. I know from my postbag that many people are worried that they are becoming more prevalent throughout the year as consumers choose to celebrate occasions such as parties, weddings and 4 July with fireworks. The Government recognise that. Our regulation-making powers allow us to deal with the intrinsic safety of goods under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, including fireworks, but do not enable the regulation of periods when they can be sold or let off. Wider powers to allow for that could be made available only through further legislation. A voluntary code of practice works for a three-week period around 5 November and for a similar period around the new year. That is beneficial in that it contains the period during which many retailers--especially those on the high street such as local newsagents and post offices--sell fireworks. The voluntary agreement is not perfect, but it has generally worked well. Those in the industry and in trading standards have been reinforcing the agreement during this fireworks season by sending out reminders and circulars about retailer's responsibilities.
Several hon. Members have urged that we should not allow the retail sale of fireworks to the public. Every year my Department receives a number of requests for a total ban on fireworks for private use. I do not believe that that is the way forward. Millions of people still enjoy fireworks. In 1996, the Department reviewed and considered a total ban. There were several reasons for rejecting it, including the fear that it would lead to the development of an illegal market for fireworks and to more illegal imports, which would involve quality control problems. Nevertheless, the Government were prompt in trying to restrict the type and sale of fireworks through the 1997 regulations, which prohibit the sale to the public of dangerous fireworks such as bangers, mini rockets, those of erratic flight and some of the larger and more powerful fireworks, and bans all category 4 and some category 3 fireworks.
My hon. Friend discussed injuries, which we all take very seriously, and the thrust of the effectiveness of this year's campaign in getting the messages out. I recognise that my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North would like more to be done overall, but messages about firework safety are being sent out. Over the years, the number of people requiring treatment in hospital casualty departments has been cut by about a third from 1,530 in 1995 to 972 in 2000. We hope that that trend will continue. My hon. Friend quoted some figures that showed a rise between 1997-98 and 1999. We suspect that that was due to the millennium period, which caused more fireworks to be used.
Statistics show reductions in certain categories of injury. Gains are being achieved because of steps that we have taken that have played a valuable role in keeping the number accidents down. The annual firework statistics enable us to design the focus for the following year's campaign. This year, we have targeted people under 16 years old because they were particularly subject to injury during the 2000 firework period.
On the letting off of fireworks in the street, which we have all experienced, points have been raised about controls. To put it simply, it is illegal to let off a firework in the street: it is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875. The police enforce that section and anyone found guilty is liable for a fine of up to £5,000. I recognise that enforcement is tricky, but legislation deals with the issue effectively.
Legislation also deals with distress to any domestic or captive animal, under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. Prosecution can be undertaken by the police or by trading standards authorities and in some cases the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals can instigate prosecution. Again, the fine is £5000, up to six months imprisonment or both. There is a legal underpinning for effective action where such problems arise and, on noise nuisance, we encourage all those who use fireworks to consider neighbours and inform them--particularly old people--of what is planned.
We recognise the concerns raised by my hon. Friend, other hon. Members and the public, but we have introduced a comprehensive package of legislation in the UK to cover the supply of safe fireworks. The effective enforcement of various regulations is crucial. It must not be an idle threat. Prosecutions must take place and I am sure that that will happen more often in future. I appreciate that resources are extremely pressed in some areas, but the police and local authorities will follow up complaints about the sale or misuse of fireworks.
I assure my hon. Friend that her arguments and those of other hon. Members have been well made in this worthwhile debate. I have listened carefully to what they have said about arising difficulties. We will continue to keep firework safety and usage under review, particularly in light of this year's experience.


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