Mr Reid met local firework safety campaigners, Trading Standards officers and police in Motherwell to discuss safety and the legal obligations on those who buy or sell fireworks.
Safety has to be paramount.
I know that many people plan to use fireworks as part of their Millennium celebrations, but I want to urge shopkeepers not to sell fireworks until after Christmas. This isn't about spoiling anyone's fun. But I don't want to see anyone scarred for life because a mindless minority breaks the law by playing with fireworks in streets across Scotland over the next couple of weeks. Those who throw fireworks in the street risk a 5000 fine as well as injuries to themselves and others. Last year more than half the firework injuries in Scotland, mainly to children, were caused by hooligan behaviour.