Ruffley Supports Fireworks Bill In House Of Commons

Wednesday, 11 June, 2003

David Ruffley will be in the House of Commons on Friday, 13 June to support the Fireworks Bill. This is a Private Member's Bill introduced by Bill Tynan which will enable the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to make Regulations covering a wide range of firework matters which the Government is presently unable to regulate under the current Consumer Protection Act 1987. These include restricting firework sales and use, licensing of retailers and controlling noise and nuisance.

The Bill has widespread all-party support. It is also widely supported by animal welfare and pet organisations and Guide Dogs for the Blind. In addition, industry organisations including the British Fireworks Association, the British Pyrotechnists Association, and the CBI have expressed their support.

On Friday the Fireworks Bill has its Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons. If it is successful, the Bill will then go to the House of Lords.

David said: 'I receive a large number of complaints about fireworks, not only around the time of Guy Fawkes' Night, but increasingly throughout the whole year. The indiscriminate letting off of fireworks causes a great deal of concern to pet owners and elderly people in particular.

I am not against people enjoying a well organised public display but I do believe that there should be more control over the sale and use of fireworks to prevent accidents and to prevent the anxiety that fireworks cause to so many people.

Many constituents have asked me to support the Fireworks Bill in the House of Commons and I am pleased to be able to do so.'