Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rehman Chishti and Nick Hurd

Tuesday 13th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Climate Change and Industry (Mr Nick Hurd)]

We will publish early our emissions reductions plan in the new year. It is a legal requirement on the Government to set out exactly how we expect to meet our long-term carbon commitments.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

T2. I thank the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Margot James), for the recent meeting in relation to my private Member’s Bill on the regulation of certain laser pens. Will she clarify when the consultation’s call for public evidence will start and when the Government will come forward with their conclusions?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rehman Chishti and Nick Hurd

Tuesday 13th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

9. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the sale and supply of laser pens.

[The Minister for Climate Change and Industry (Mr Nick Hurd)]

The Department is absolutely committed to ensuring that only safe products are placed on the market, including laser pens. Given the risks associated with misuse of such pens, we are reviewing what more we can do to protect consumers and aircraft.

[Rehman Chishti]

I thank the Minister for that answer. In the past year, there have been over 1,300 incidents in which certain laser pens were used to target both civilian and military aircraft and transport infrastructure. Will the Minister support my private Member’s Bill, supported by the British Airline Pilots Association, to regulate the sale of laser pens?

[Mr Hurd]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his persistence and passion in pursuing this important issue—there are significant risks attached to misuse. I assure him that the Government are taking the matter seriously. A cross-Whitehall group is urgently looking at our options, including the case for further legislation. In that context, I am happy to meet him.