Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 1997. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what plans she has to increase the powers of Trading Standards Officers to prevent illegal sales to minors. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to increase the powers of Trading Standards Officers to prevent illegal sales to minors. [15415] Mr. Nigel Griffiths: The only specific requirements governing sales to minors for which my Department is responsible relate to fireworks and to consumer credit agreements. In addition, Trading Standards Officers have powers under the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 to deal with consumer products which fail to take proper account of the safety needs of their intended users, in particular products intended for use by children. I am confident that TSOs have the powers necessary to enforce these provisions.

Secondary information