Gordon Banks

MP seeks support of Commons Backbench Committee for debate on looped blind cords

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks went before the newly created House of Commons backbench committee last week to request a debate on the issue of looped blind cords.

Mr Banks has been campaigning for tighter regulation of the window blind industry and for a re design of current products which utilise the looped cord design which has been responsible for the deaths of children across the world.  The MP started his campaign in 2008 after the death of Menstrie toddler Muireann McLaughlin who died when she became entangled in a looped blind cord at her home.

Incidents involving looped blind cords claim the lives of on average two children per year in the UK alone.

The House of Commons backbench committee was set up this year and is designed to allow MPs the opportunity to debate issues on the floor of the house which might otherwise not be covered by Government and opposition business.

Speaking after his appearance before the committee, Mr Banks said – “The backbench committee is a very useful tool in allowing me to highlight the dangers of looped blind cords to MPs and the wider public.  Issues such as this can seem very obscure and are unlikely to be the focus of debates under Government or Opposition business but that does not make them less deserving of attention.”

“Sadly my attempts to convince the Government that this is an issue worthy of debate have fallen on deaf ears but I hope the backbench committee will allow me the opportunity to bring attention to this matter and look at ways of resolving this problem which has caused misery to many families across the UK and taken the lives of innocent and defenceless children.”