09/02/2010 - Fresh calls for ban on sky lanterns
The Government faced fresh calls from peers to put a ban on the use of popular Chinese sky lanterns on weddings and parties, arguing that they kill and injure livestock.
Recently, the National Farmers' Union and coastguards told the Government that the paper lanterns, which float with candles inside for several miles before crashing to the ground, pose a danger to animals.
Urging the introduction of an "outright ban" on the "apparently enchanting creatures", Tory Baroness Fookes said: "Large numbers of these are being set off. Each contains a lighted candle and wire structures and there is considerable anecdotal evidence of harm to animals, either at the time or when chopped up in silage or hay."
Lord Davies of Oldham, a junior rural affairs minister, added: "Anecdotal evidence suggests that while few animals have been affected the impacts can be severe.
"Chinese lanterns are enjoyed by many but this should not be at the expense of littering our countryside or injury to animals."
He suggested instead biodegradable lanterns could be used saying, "we will work with interested parties to promote the use of models which do not cause harm or environmental damage."
However, he also said that Chinese lanterns had been in use for many years, and so it was not right to "exaggerate the impacts".
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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