asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to prevent the importation of inferior quality electrical plugs and fuses into the United Kingdom; and to ensure that the British Standards specification is being maintained in the field of electrical plugs and fuses; and if he will make a statement.

I assume that the hon. Member is concerned lest imported plugs and fuses not meeting the requirements of British standards might be dangerous. Plugs and fuses, imported or domestically manufactured, must satisfy the provisions of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 and 1976. Although it can be assumed that products complying with relevant British standards would satisfy the regulations, compliance is not mandatory. However, new regulations are being drafted and I shall consider whether compliance with the standards should in future be required for plugs and fuses.