Written question WQ100153
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 2 days
Question
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to work with supermarkets on stopping the sale of disposable barbecues?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy (Adam Price)
The Welsh Government recognises the fire risk that disposable barbecues can pose during periods of dry weather. We welcome the recent statutory guidance issued by the UK Government in response to current wildfire risks. The regulation of product safety and the sale of consumer products, including disposable barbecues, is generally a matter for the UK Government.
Following discussion of wildfire risks at the UK Government's COBR meeting, the First Minister supported calls for retailers to suspend the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat and drought, in line with existing voluntary arrangements developed with fire sector partners. The First Minister has also committed to convene a multi-agency summit to consider how Wales can further strengthen wildfire prevention and resilience.
More broadly, the Welsh Government supports multi-agency work through the Wales Wildfire Board, which brings together public sector partners to improve wildfire prevention, awareness and education across Wales, including through campaigns such as #WildfireWise.