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A senior Government minister is backing a paper’s investigation into shopkeepers who illegally sell lighter fuel to children.

The Manchester Evening News appeal is being supported by Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Kim Howells, who spoke out after the newspaper revealed butane gas is being sold to youngster across the region.

The Government support comes after the Evening News sent a 14-year-old girl into six shops in the city to buy a fuel canister – with only one of them refusing.

It is against the law to sell fuel to anyone under 18 – an attempt to reduce the number of needless deaths from lighter fuel sniffing – and Dr Howells has responded by saying he hoped the “irresponsible” shopkeepers will be prosecuted.

Dr Howells said: “I applaud the efforts of the Manchester Evening News, which has highlighted how some unscrupulous retailers are prepared to sell potentially deadly products to young people.

“It is very much the responsibility of shopkeepers to ensure they do not sell such potentially lethal goods to underage people. They should be ready to insist on seeing some proof of age.”

He also urged shopkeepers to help themselves by putting clear notices up stating they do not sell to underage customers.

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