... the Fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot But why should we remember? And, more important still, how many needless accidents does it cause each year? What really happened on that first gunpowder night under the House of Commons 350 years ago is vague; no one knows the facts for sure. But what is crystal clear - as far as the casualty departments of our hospitals are concerned-is that today, fireworks are an annual hazard which disable and scar thousands of children. Millions of people get pleasure and enjoyment from fireworks. Firework displays can be exciting and picturesque. But we are still one of the few countries left that sell fireworks to children. The law now says that children must be over thirteen before they can buy. But those who are badly burned are frequently very much younger. Is it worth it when we count the cost? Should we continue to put danger in the hands of children?