Written question asked by Barry Field (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 March 1997. It was answered by John M Taylor (Conservative) on Monday, 3 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: If he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department.

Answer: Mr. Barry Field: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department. [15921] Mr. John M. Taylor: The Department sets out the following age requirements in primary legislation: Under the Explosives Act 1875, sections 31 and 39, it is an offence to sell gunpowder and other explosives, including fireworks to any person apparently under the age of 16. Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 50, it is an offence to send, with a view to financial gain, any document inviting a minor--a person under the age of 18--to borrow money, obtain goods on credit or hire, obtain services on credit or apply for information or advice on borrowing money for otherwise obtaining credit for hiring goods. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, section 211, for the purposes of a redundancy payment, no period of employment counts until the employee has attained the age of 18.

Secondary information