Oral Answers to Questions

Kerry McCarthy Excerpts
Thursday 28th March 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
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I can confirm that that is absolutely the case. As soon as parliamentary time allows, the Government will introduce legislation to increase those sentences from six months to five years. Like my hon. Friend, I have zero tolerance for the abhorrent crime of puppy smuggling. I look forward to discussing the matter more fully with him in the Westminster Hall debate that he has secured for next week.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Ah—Kerry McCarthy.

Kerry McCarthy Portrait Kerry McCarthy
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I was inspired suddenly, Mr Speaker.

I asked the Minister about this when he appeared before the Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs yesterday: he says that he will bring back the sentencing Bill and the animal sentience Bill when we have parliamentary time, but we have spent an awful lot of parliamentary time sitting around, twiddling our thumbs and waiting for Brexit votes. He could bring forward that legislation very soon, could he not?

David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
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We look forward to bringing it back to the House as soon as parliamentary time allows.