Firework report critics slammed

Dave Barrett yesterday branded criticism of his bid for a report into tighter firework controls as 'ridiculous'. The requete he took to the States seeking an investigation into whether legislation was needed to control firework misuse was approved by 31 votes to 18.

'I wasn't surprised by the vote; I had already done a survey and though some changed their mind, the majority stayed with the principle that something needs to be done and the proper way to do it is to get a report from professionals. I just hope they get on with it.'

Deputy Barrett said he was surprised by Home Affairs Committee president Mike Torode's attitude.

The latter wondered whether a report was strictly necessary. He said it would be adding to the workload of others.

He added that the consultative group formed in 2000 to assess the problem posed by fireworks had agreed unanimously that misuse had diminished.

'I'm frankly surprised by the opposition by Deputy Torode, who should know better,' said Deputy Barrett.

He added that some sort of control was necessary and that appealing to people's better nature would not work forever.

'Things have got better but they are as good as they'll ever get.

'It's like encouraging people not to use their mobile phones while they are driving or to wear seatbelts. You get to a point where it doesn't work.

'It's not illegal to let off fireworks at 2am, but it is not encouraged. You need some sort of control.'

He dismissed the idea that, for some, legislation would also be ineffective.

'The misuse of fireworks is like the misuse of bonfires, which is another thing on which I was successful.

'We now have legislation and the environmental health officers can act where they could not before.

'The nuisance can be controlled. It's about being reasonable.'

Deputy Barrett felt that legislation to limit the size of fireworks might be appropriate, but said the results of the report would be for a future States to decide on.

'It's no longer my concern, I just wanted to get the ball rolling. It would be wrong for me to decide what should come out of it. That is why professionals have to do it.'