THE numerous problems that fireworks cause is back with us once again.

Gone are the days when fireworks provided a pleasant and exciting visual display.

Today's fireworks are designed to generate the loudest noise and bangs possible, the sounds of fireworks are more associated with a war zone rather than the back gardens of Bolton.

The Government has introduced a range of new measures to reduce the number of firework injuries and it is hoped that these measures will also cut down on the problem of noise and nuisance. The proposed new regulations include the banning of air bombs, a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks with improved co-ordination of intelligence between Customs and Excise, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards Departments and a new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise nuisance. Although I welcome these measures, they do not go far enough and will not eradicate the problems caused each year by fireworks. I have made my views known to the Minister responsible.

The Government has decided not to go for an outright ban on the sale of fireworks to the public because they believe this option is unworkable. What do you think? If you have a view on this matter please write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA.

Another issue that will affect many of my constituents is the reform of the bingo tax. The Government is currently consulting on ending tax on bingo players and replacing it with a tax on the gross profits of bingo companies. These changes would have a significant benefit to bingo players across the country. Every year, five million people visit bingo halls and that figure includes one out of every six people in the North of England. Bingo is an important pastime for many groups and individuals here in Bolton of all ages and all backgrounds. The Government wants to encourage as many contributions to the consultation as possible. They would like to know if you support the change or not and if you feel it may benefit people in the community who regularly play bingo. The formal consultation runs until the end of October, but the Government would be interested to hear the views of bingo players and groups right up until the Budget next year. You can contribute to the consultation by writing to me (expressing your views on the issue) at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. All correspondence will be forwarded to the relevant department.

My next surgery will be on Friday, November 15, at Bolton Town Hall. For further surgery details or any further information on the issues raised in this article, please contact my constituency office on 01204 303340.