12.11.12
Metal dealers Bill passes House of Commons
The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons, and moves on to the next stage in the parliamentary process. MP Richard Ottaway’s Private Members Bill will now go to the House of Lords for consideration.
Metal theft affects multiple industries and the current cost of the crime to the UK economy is thought to be hundreds of millions of pounds a year.
The Bill’s future was thought to be uncertain, due to amendments and concern from two Conservative MPs in particular, Christopher Chope and Philip Davies, both known for blocking legislation. But a compromise has been reached to review the Bill in three years, with a sunset clause in five years.
Neil Henry, head of operations and performance at Network Rail, said: “These crimes continue to cause significant disruption and cost to rail passengers and essential freight services. Today is a significant and important step towards removing the distress and inconvenience caused to millions of people by metal thieves.
“We are delighted that the Bill has passed its third reading and would like to thank Richard Ottaway MP and all the supporters of the Bill. We would also like to acknowledge and welcome the compromise reached with Philip Davies MP over his concerns.
“We believe we can demonstrate that the Bill works in the coming years. Meanwhile, we will continue to work with British Transport Police and invest in methods to better protect the rail network.”
Maggie Simpson, executive director at the Rail Freight Group, added: “Metal theft continues to be a problem for rail freight customers, and we are very pleased that these new powers will enable more to be done to reduce the disruption and cost to business from this crime.”
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