VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Toys and Games: Asbestos

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 25552

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Office for Product Safety and Standards news story entitled Stronger asbestos controls needed to keep kids safe, published on 20 July 2026, what metrics will be used to assess the effectiveness of the guidance issued to businesses.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

OPSS has published guidance for businesses on assuring the products they import and distribute are asbestos-free. OPSS works with local authorities to ensure and monitor the effectiveness of recalls and has regular dialogue with key businesses and representative organisations for the toy, retail and online sectors most affected by this issue.

OPSS works with agencies across Government, and with industry, to investigate the supply chain, to understand the origin of materials and their potential routes into the UK market. Raising awareness and understanding has prompted stronger due diligence and resulted in more action to remove products from the market.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim