Some unstaffed sunbeds are available at 25p per minute

Swansea East MP Sian James says youngsters have "easy walk-in access" to the coin-operated salons and urges fines and prosecutions of operators.

She wants all salons, some of which offer sessions for 25p per minute, to have trained staff on duty to stop children using the beds.

One hundred and five MPs have so far signed her Commons motion.

I thought the only place you'd find sun beds would be in beauty salons or properly-staffed centres Sian James MP

They are concerned that children with pocket money could "easily afford" some of the low prices offered by operators.

Ms James said: "If we do not allow children to play the lottery, smoke, drink or gamble on a fruit machine, then we shouldn't allow them to have access to equipment that will damage their young skin."

Unstaffed salons rely on posters to provide awareness on exposure to UV rays and skin types that are not appropriate for tanning.

Mrs James said she did not want to "come down" on salons with trained staff who could restrict access to children or people who should not use a tanning bed.

The MP researched the motion for a year both within her constituency and outside it, and says it has the backing of the Sunbed Association.

Posters

It calls on the UK Government to restrict the use of sun beds and for operators of unstaffed salons to be prosecuted if children under 16 are found to be using them.

The issue first came to her attention when she noticed a shop which did not appear to be selling anything but was popular with young people.

Sian James MP is concerned about unstaffed sunbed operators

"At the time I had no idea such places as coin-operated tanning salons existed," she said.

"I thought the only place you'd find sun beds would be in beauty salons or properly-staffed centres."

Mrs James is worried the salons do not have trained staff to provide advice, assistance and security.

She said: "Would you want to encourage a young woman to go into an unstaffed building at night? They could attract peeping toms and paedophiles."

The British Medical Association and Cancer Research UK called for a ban on under-16s using tanning salons in 2004.

The Sunbed Association has no legal powers to enforce its under 16s rule amongst its members, who are currently self-regulating.