Fulton MacGregor: ...claims with any clear evidence. That is also worth noting. The essence of the licensing scheme and the bill in general is an attempt to change the culture and the relationship that we have with fireworks in Scotland. That is what our constituents want and that is what the Government is attempting to do. As I said during the stage 1 debate, and as I think that other members have said,...
Fulton MacGregor: I am pleased to speak to the amendments in my name. They are technical in nature, but I believe that they are important in providing clarity about the types of condition that can be attached to a fireworks licence. I thank the minister for engaging with me on my amendments in advance of stage 3—I greatly appreciate it. Section 10 already makes reference to additional licence conditions and...
Fulton MacGregor: ...we agreed. There are undoubtedly some concerns about the bill, which I will come to. As others have said, though, at its heart is an attempt by the Government to address the serious threat that fireworks and pyrotechnics pose and, indeed, cause to our communities. Although we do not have all the powers to act in this area, our constituents expect us to do what we can, and it is clear that...
Fulton MacGregor: ...the black market, which is where his question is going, in a wee bit. As we heard, there are concerns about how effective the scheme will be. Will some people simply not apply for a licence but use fireworks regardless? Will some people be able to afford the fee more easily than others? I urge the Government to continue to consider those questions as we move to stage 2. The bill also...
Fulton MacGregor: ...that the Scottish Government has undertaken. Other countries and jurisdictions have taken similar, often stricter actions. It is right that we do what we can within the powers that we have to curb fireworks use. The bill is not yet the finished article—nobody denies that—but we have the opportunity to make it better and more robust at stage 2, with the Parliament working together to...
Fulton MacGregor: As the minister said in her statement, although the group’s recommendations are “an important milestone”, the sort of cultural shift that will change our relationship with fireworks “will not happen overnight” but will require sustained work.
Fulton MacGregor: ...she share my view that the relevant powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible, following the consultation responses calling overwhelmingly for stronger regulations on fireworks?