Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bingham Excerpts

Monday 19th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

17. What steps she is taking to tackle metal theft.

[Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con)]

18. What steps she is taking to tackle metal theft.

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

19. What steps she is taking to tackle metal theft.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Brokenshire]

My hon. Friend highlights the significant community impact that metal thefts and desecrations of war memorials and other historical sites have had, and the often irrevocable harm that can be caused. The Bill is being considered in the other place as we speak, and the sanctions in it can lead to an unlimited fine. We will look to follow that through with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.

[Andrew Bingham]

We in High Peak have also been victims of metal theft. Last November a popular tourist attraction, the Eccles Pike topograph, was removed from near Chapel-en-le-Frith. I am pleased to say that scrap yards in my constituency were given a clean bill of health during a multi-agency operation last year. Does the Minister agree that tackling metal theft by preventing cash for scrap without questions is the best way, and will be welcomed by the honest scrap metal merchants in my constituency?

[James Brokenshire]

My hon. Friend highlights the fact that the cashless approach is essential in driving out this crime, and I underline the point that he has very effectively made.