Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Russell Excerpts
Thursday 7th February 2013

(11 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jo Swinson Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson)
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I know that there have been strong views on this issue in all parts of the House, and the Department of Health has undertaken a consultation on it. We await the results of that consultation, which will be analysed carefully. I am sure that the interesting counterfeiting issues that the hon. Gentleman raises will need to be considered alongside the health issues.

Bob Russell Portrait Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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With Chinese new year celebrations and firework displays this weekend, will the Minister urgently receive a delegation of MPs and immediately suspend new regulations—which have just been implemented five years early—that will lead to the collapse of the British fireworks industry?

Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson
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I know that my hon. Friend is speaking up for the industry on this issue. I met him at the end of last year. BIS policy officials have had two meetings with the industry. Lawyers have also had meetings, and a further meeting is due next week to try to resolve the issue he raises. Yesterday I received a letter from him and the hon. Members for Bracknell (Dr Lee), for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) and for Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly). I will be happy to meet them next week as a matter of urgency to discuss this.