Hyndburn MP Graham Jones: scrap metal laws flawed (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Hyndburn MP Graham Jones: scrap metal laws flawed
9:00pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News
AN MP has warned that new laws to tackle scrap metal thieves could allow gangs to operate unchecked.
Hyndburn MP Graham Jones last year began a campaign to amend the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.
However, his proposal was defeated and the government brought forward a similar bill, sponsored by Richard Ottaway MP.
Mr Jones said it contained positive steps, but cautioned more was needed.
He now hopes to see amendments put forward next month, along the lines of his earlier suggestions.
He said: “While the bill is a huge step forward, the government has given way on the controversial part of the bill prohibiting cash payments, which the industry and I had lobbied hard for.
“There are three flaws in the current bill.
“It allows criminals and gangs to work in the industry unchecked by not having personal licences as with alcohol and taxis – both licensed similarly by local authorities.
“It does nothing to bring together a national task force to share intelligence and best practise.
“Also, it does not allow local authorities to insist that mobile collectors display license information, and vehicle badging, nor scrap metal yards to display their licence details to customers.”
