Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Smith Excerpts
Thursday 17th January 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Timms Portrait Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab)
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2. When he plans to bring forward legislative proposals for maximum five-year sentences for the most serious crimes of animal cruelty.

Angela Smith Portrait Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)
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11. When he plans to bring forward legislative proposals for maximum five-year sentences for the most serious crimes of animal cruelty.

David Rutley Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (David Rutley)
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The Government will introduce the necessary legislation to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty from six months’ imprisonment to five years’ imprisonment as soon as parliamentary time allows.

--- Later in debate ---
Angela Smith Portrait Angela Smith
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Can the Minister confirm whether any DEFRA Minister, including the Secretary of State, has had any discussions on five-year sentencing with either the Leader of the House or the Chief Whip in order to secure parliamentary time for this measure?

David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
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A very active dialogue is going on to determine the right vehicle, involving the usual channels within the House; those conversations have taken place.