Published: Wednesday, 12th March, 2008 10:00
Campaign for loop cords ban is raised at Westminster
By Hamish Hutchinson
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Gordon Banks has secured a debate in the House of Commons on the Advertiser's campaign for a ban on loop cords.
OUR campaign to ban looped blind cords was stepped up yesterday (Wednesday) as local MP Gordon Banks raised the issue on the floor of the House of Commons.
The Ochil & South Perthshire MP secured a debate in Westminster a week after lodging an Early Day Motion which is attracting support from parliamentary members.
The campaign, launched by the Advertiser, calls for a change in the manufacturing of blind and curtain cords after the death of Menstrie toddler Muireann McLaughlin.
The two-year-old was killed when she became entangled in a looped blind cord at her home last month.
Thousands of members of the public from across the UK and the World have already shown their support by putting their name to the Advertiser’s online petition.
Council leaders across Scotland have also added their backing.
Last Wednesday Falkirk Council raised the issue in their chambers with full cross-party approval.
Midlothian Council plan to take the matter forward at their next full Council meeting.
MP Gordon Banks’ motion reads:
“That this House acknowledges that in the last 10 years up to 20 children are reported to have lost their lives in the UK as a result of incidents involving looped blind cords; recognises that the US banned the use of looped blind cords in the 1990s and Australia followed suit in 2004; calls on the British Standards Institute to introduce a new British Standard banning the use of looped blind cords; and urges the Government to begin immediate discussions with the British Standards Institute to prevent further avoidable deaths.”
The USA, Canada and Australia have already banned the production of looped blind cords and issued guidance to parents following the introduction of safety features.
In Britain it is estimated that there are two accidents involving children and blind cords in the UK every year.
Mr Banks has raised the issue with Baroness Morgan in Westminster who has responsibility for the British Standards Institute and is calling for a new British Standard for blind manufacturers.
He said, “I hope a change in the acceptable design standards of blinds can be achieved so that no other family has to experience the tragedy that has been visited upon the McLaughlins.
“Safety groups believe that looped blind cords kill up to two people per year in the UK but the number may in fact be greater.
“However, everyone agrees that this is an unacceptable figure. I would urge all parents to cut their cords now.
“My campaign at Westminster will seek to ensure that there is a wholesale change in the industry.
“Fellow MPs have already backed my campaign by signing the Early Day Motion and I hope to build on this support during my debate where I will urge the Minister to consider very carefully the tragic consequences that these blinds can bring.
“This change must be universal so that reputable companies do not find themselves priced out of the market by companies not adhering to the changes.
“A voluntary system of self regulation wouldn’t be universal and would not eradicate these needless deaths.”
To add your name to the online petition go the Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser website www.alloaadvertiser.com
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