MP promises to continue fight for ban on loop cords
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 20 Jan 2010 15:36
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Gordon Banks has vowed to continue to fight for tighter regulations and plans to launch his own petition on his website.
OCHIL MP Gordon Banks has slammed the government's response to Alloa Sheriff David Mackie's recommendations following the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Menstrie tot, Muireann McLaughlin.
Muireann (pictured above) died in 2008 after a tragic accident in her home where she became entangled in a blind cord whilst waving goodbye to her grandmother from her bedroom window which led to Mr Banks campaigning for a ban on looped blind cords which was backed by the Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser.
Sheriff Mackie's rulings following the FAI at Alloa Sheriff Court included stronger regulation of the blind industry and better labelling to warn parents of the hazards.
He also recommended that there should be a public campaign highlighting the dangers of loop cords on blinds.
However, Business Minister Kevin Brennan said that the regulation of the industry and issues such as labelling were adequately dealt with under the Machinery Directive as well as the General Product Safety Directive.
Mr Brennan added that the recommendation relating to raising public awareness is already being taken forward with the blind and shutter industry and that he did not intend to respond formally to Sheriff Mackie.
Speaking after the Business Minister's response Mr Banks said, "The Minister's response is extremely disappointing and the time taken to reach a decision has not been helpful either.
"I cannot agree with the Minister's assertion that Sheriff Mackie's recommendations are already adequately covered under other directives.
"If the regulations clearly demonstrated safe practice then perhaps the death of toddlers such as Muireann McLaughlin could have been avoided. Action is required now.
" I will be stepping up this campaign to put increasing pressure on the Government to regulate more firmly in this area because any industry led change runs the risk of being piecemeal and may continue to put lives at risk.
"I am in the process of launching another debate in the House of Commons.
"I hope the power of public opinion will press the Government into action on this important issue."
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