Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 23 May 2012 Dangerous Dogs
"I congratulate the hon. Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) on securing this stimulating debate and on the measured, thoughtful way in which he introduced the topic.
I cannot compete with some of the horror stories that have been mentioned, but no politician is far from this issue. This year, I …..." John Pugh - View Speech
"I congratulate the hon. Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray) on securing this important debate.
I also congratulate the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Jim Sheridan), who is present and who was responsible for the original proposals, which went through the House of Commons and into legislation. I …..." John Pugh - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman has slightly anticipated me. There is a prima facie case in the construction industry, and there has long been a history of gangmaster behaviour, which used to be called the lump. Building firms sometimes employ people as a gang instead of employing them individually to avoid some …..." John Pugh - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman makes an entirely valid point. He is suggesting a benchmark or threshold that must be met before imposing additional regulation. Surely, that benchmark or threshold has been met in the agricultural industry. In my view it has certainly been met in the construction industry. Removing existing controls …..." John Pugh - View Speech
"In the run-up to the Olympics in Athens, many lives were lost on the building sites. In the run-up to the Olympics in London, no such event or no event of such a size has taken place. Does that not help the argument that regulation on British building sites is …..." John Pugh - View Speech
"10. What recent progress has been made on reducing the incidence of diseases in the bee population; and if she will make a statement...." John Pugh - View Speech
"I thank the Minister for that response. The previous Government’s promises to fund research into bee diseases created a buzz of anticipation, so can I take it that the coalition have a proper plan “Bee”?..." John Pugh - View Speech
"We do not let a criminal or unsuitable person have lawful possession of a firearm or a weapon. Given the known temperament of certain breeds of dog, could we not insist on a fit and proper person test as a precondition of owning a dangerous dog? After all, criminals seem …..." John Pugh - View Speech