David Ruffley was in the chamber of the House of Commons on Friday 13 June to support the Fireworks Bill personally. This is a Private Member's Bill introduced by Bill Tynan. It passed its final stages in the House of Commons on Friday and now goes to the House of Lords.

The Fireworks Bill 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.

David said: 'I have been contacted by a large number of my constituents in Bury St Edmunds about the indiscriminate use of fireworks. They asked me to support the Fireworks Bill- which has been supported by all political parties- and I was glad to be able to do so. I intervened in the debate last Friday when it looked as though another Member might be trying to block the Bill. I am delighted that the Bill has now successfully completed all its stages in the House of Commons. It now goes to the House of Lords.'