Joan Ryan
Main Page: Joan Ryan (The Independent Group for Change - Enfield North)Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
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David Mackintosh
I am grateful for that intervention and I am sure that the Minister will have noted it. On that point, the British Veterinary Association has put together a list of measures that it would like the Government to consider, including changes to the design and classification of fireworks to reduce noise levels, and better information for pet owners to help to reduce stress in their animals. I am sure, on the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Mims Davies), that that would include guidance for people using fireworks and Chinese lanterns.
Joan Ryan (Enfield North) (Lab)
In my constituency in 2001, a young boy died while playing with fireworks. He was not under the supervision of his parents and he was with a number of other young people. We had debates very like the one that we are having now in the run-up to the 2004 legislation, and I said at the time— although I was loth to say it—that I could see no long- term solution other than banning the sale of fireworks to the public and allowing public and private displays only if supervised and managed by a properly qualified individual. I am still of that opinion, and we could be here again in 10 or 12 years’ time with the same debate. What is the hon. Gentleman’s opinion?
David Mackintosh
I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for raising such an important and, clearly, tragic case. As I will outline, there is a debate to be had about that issue, and I am pleased that we are having the start of that debate here today.
Animal welfare charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the Blue Cross and Cats Protection suggest that tougher enforcement of existing rules, better advance warning of organised events and animal welfare information for pet owners would help to improve the situation. Importantly, on some of these points, there is agreement between animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry, which would support tougher enforcement of existing rules; I will ask the Minister to consider that in the future.
We all know that events using fireworks should be well planned, and that is of course the case at a vast number of events to mark significant occasions such as new year’s eve and Diwali, and other special events and religious festivals such as Chinese new year. The biggest firework displays are of course very relevant to Members of this House, as the Guy Fawkes plot was thwarted in this very building on 5 November 1605 and is of course marked every autumn. I am sure that hon. Members will all agree that those events are managed responsibly and bring enjoyment to many people. Indeed, the bonfire night display in my constituency of Northampton every November attracts thousands of people, and the new year’s eve fireworks in London, as I am sure hon. Members will agree—perhaps not all of them—are the best in the world.
The Minister will, I am sure, say that all fireworks on sale to the public are required to comply with essential safety requirements that govern how they are made, tested and labelled.