"I have put down two parliamentary questions on the widespread thefts after a constituent's request for me to look into it," the MP said. "I have drawn the minister's attentions to this and asked what measures could be introduced to combat it. I know that the police have been doing all they can to detect these thefts - from heritage sites such as Bolling Hall, Haworth cemetery and the Bronte Cemetery at Haworth - and I want to make their job easier. I'm thinking along the lines of those introduced to help stop metal theft.
"For instance I think it would be important to prevent traders paying cash for the stone, increasing the penalties for those convicted and perhaps we could look at some sort of register of stone traders, together with giving the police and local authorities powers of entry to yards?"
Galloway pointed out that Yorkshire stone, and particularly old or antique stone, was much more valuable than the common stone produced in countries like India.
Parliamentary questions on Yorkshire stone
Ordinary Written question to: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for answer on 06 Feb 2013 12:00 AM
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the large scale theft of Yorkshire stone, particularly in heritage sites such as Bolling Hall, Haworth cemetery and the Bronte cemetery at Thornton, West Yorkshire.
Ordinary Written question to: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for answer on 06 Feb 2013 12:00 AM
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to consider introducing methods of tackling thefts of Yorkshire Stone similar to those now in place for metal thefts.