British Horse Society Ragwort Bill goes forward to Report
Stage and Third Reading
The Private Members' Bill, Equine Welfare (Ragwort Control)
Bill, initiated by The British Horse Society and sponsored
by John Greenway, MP for Ryedale, successfully completed its
Committee Stage last week and now goes forward to Report Stage
and Third Reading, set for Friday 11 July.
Following agreement at the Bill's Second Reading (March 21)
between Mr Greenway and Alun Michael, Minister for Rural Affairs
and Minister for the Horse, Committee Stage amendments have
ensured that a Code of Practice, to be made by the Minister,
will provide statutory guidance on how to prevent the spread
of Ragwort. It will also be 'admissible in evidence' meaning
that it can be taken into account if a court feels it to be
relevant.
John Greenway said, " The original Bill was always intended
to provide Parliament with the chance to consider a number
of options, any one of which would strengthen the fight against
this pernicious disease. By adopting a statutory code of practice
Parliament is sending a clear message to landowners about
how they should meet their existing responsibilities. If they
fail to follow the code, they are more likely to face successful
prosecution. Equally if they follow the code they would have
a defence, though following the code will make a significant
impact on the amount of Ragwort and, in turn, improve equine
welfare which is our sole concern."
BHS Chief Executive Kay Driver commented, "Whilst it
is disappointing that sacrifices have had to be made with
the original wording of the Bill, we are still confident that
the amendments will ensure, if this Bill succeeds, that it
will make a positive difference in controlling the spread
of Ragwort. The Ragwort Bill has received very strong support
and we are grateful to John Greenway for taking this Bill
forward on behalf of the nearly one million equines in this
country."
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