Written questions by Dixon.

If his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of working with regulators to introduce labels for nitrous oxide canisters that can be traced to the point of sale.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has responsibility for the Aerosols Dispensers Regulations 2009 which sets out the requirements for the safety of aerosol cannisters. The Regulations specify the manufacturing, labelling and transport requirements ensuring the safety of aerosol cannisters. DBT has made no assessment regarding point-of-sale labelling for aerosol cannisters containing nitrous oxide as this is not pertinent to the safety of the cannister.

If he will take steps to encourage businesses to use pin pads that are accessible to people with sight impairments.

The government expects people who provide goods, services, and facilities to members of the public, to anticipate the requirements of disabled customers and the adjustments that may have to be made for them, in line with the Equality Act 2010.In April, the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury jointly wrote to UK Finance, the leading trade association for the UK banking sector, to urge further progress on ensuring touchscreen card terminals remain accessible for blind and partially sighted consumers. As well, the British Standards Institution has developed and published a British Standard that provides guidelines for the adoption of an inclusive approach to the design of products.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to increase statute of limitations to 20 years for faulty medical devices.

The Consumer Protection Act, which contains our product liability legislation, has been in place since 1987 and my department is indeed undertaking a review of it, during which we will consider all aspects, including those claim limits my Honourable friend mentions. Following this review, should we believe changes are needed, we will bring forward the necessary primary legislation to ensure our laws remain up to date and fit for the future.

With reference to the New Deal For Working People, what plans he has to change the employment status of foster carers.

I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. The government will ensure more children can receive loving care in foster families.We will work with councils and fostering services to ensure foster carers receive the support they need and deserve, but there are no plans to give worker status to foster carers.