Representatives of the fireworks and pyrotechnics industry told Holyrood’s Justice Committee that the bill would create a need for special training as well as a licensing scheme.

Fraser Stevenson, vice chairman of the British Fireworks Association (BFA), said that the businesses his organisation represented imported most fireworks.

He said: “Why does the bill appear to target the majority of consumers who are using fireworks in an appropriate way?”

He added: “Greater restrictions would not be appropriate due to the real risk of creating a black market. The BFA feels this Bill will be the biggest contributor to the creation of a black market.”

He suggested a black market would emerge. “It will not improve safety. It will result in more injuries, not less. It will lead to deaths.”

Norman Donald, owner of NJE Fireworks in Aberdeen, said: “If we create a black market we are definitely going to put the public in danger, injuries are going to be vast and it probably will lead to deaths.”