asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce compulsory standards in respect of radiant electric fires in order to ensure the protection of children.
9.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electric Fire Safety Standards.
8.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any proposals regarding unsafe electric fires.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
I shall shortly be making regulations under the European Communities Acts, to come into effect by next August, providing that a very wide range of electrical equipment, including domestic electric fires, may not be placed on the market unless it is safe. It is hoped to designate at an early date detailed and specific standards by reference to which the safety of electric fires may be judged, but even in the absence of such standards the general obligation to be of safe construction will apply.