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My question leads into the next area in the running order, which is firework control zones. The question is primarily for Chief Inspector Robison. Earlier in the consultation process, it was proposed that there would be no-firework zones, which have evolved into firework control zones. I wonder whether, from a policing perspective, no-firework zones would be a lot easier for people to understand and a lot easier to police.

I put the same question to the other two witnesses, if they have a particular view on it.

Have we missed an opportunity by not having no-firework areas?

That makes sense. Thank you.

It seems that an absolute ban is impractical and would not work, and then there is the free-for-all, which is not quite what we have now. Control zones are almost the worst of both worlds, because they do not solve the problem, but I do not know what the answer is. If you have any thoughts on that, please enlighten us.

Attacks on yourselves.

I was going to ask about firework control zones, convener. Is that okay?

On that point, would it be better to revisit that and put in place an absolute exemption unless there are reasonable grounds for possessing such items?

I guess that that is an issue for the committee to take forward. Thank you.

One thing that occurs to me is that, when I was younger, fireworks night was the only night of the year on which fireworks were used but, now, new year’s eve has become a thing, and there are various religious festivals. An unintended consequence of defining things in the way that the recommendation does could be that others come along and stake their claim to other dates in the calendar, with the result that we would, in fact, be encouraging the use of fireworks on almost a year-round basis. Is there not the potential for that to happen?