Clothing: Fire Prevention

Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which items of nightwear are covered by the Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985; whether boys' pyjamas are covered by the regulations; what plans there are to review the coverage of the regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McCartney
The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985 apply to nightwear including garments commonly worn as nightwear such as nightdresses, dressing gowns, bath robes and similar items. Children’s pyjamas do not have to comply with the flammability standard of the regulations, but they must carry a permanent label with the wording ‘Keep Away From Fire’ in red letters if they do not. The regulations do not distinguish between boys' and girls' pyjamas, and are already the most stringent in Europe—most member states have no legislation in this area. There are no current plans, therefore, to review these regulations. In addition, manufacturers of clothing, including pyjamas, that do not meet the flammability standard of the regulations have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe under The General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Taken together, these regulations provide adequate flammability safety for children's nightwear in the UK.

Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current law is relating to the flammability of pyjamas for children; and whether the rules are the same for boys' and girls' pyjamas.

Mr. McCartney
The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985 apply to nightwear including garments commonly worn as nightwear. Children's pyjamas do not have to comply with the flammability standard of the regulations, but they must carry a permanent label with the wording ‘Keep Away From Fire’ in red letters if they do not. The regulations do not distinguish between boys' and girls' pyjamas. Manufacturers of pyjamas that do not meet the flammability standard of the regulations have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe under The General Product Safety Regulations 2005.