REGULATION OF MORECAMBE BAY COCKLE BEDS

Early day motion 384, tabled 13 December 2004 by Geraldine Smith (Labour). Signed by 119 members.

That this House notes that, despite the horrific loss of life on 5th February, there are still large numbers of workers cockling on Morecambe Bay, many of whom appear to pay scant regard to health and safety; notes the dangers of Morecambe Bay to inexperienced fishermen and women; further notes that Morecambe lifeboat has been called out 63 times this year, and that the danger will heighten during the winter months; and calls on the Government, in order that a further tragedy be avoided, urgently to bring forward legislation to regulate commercial cockling on Morecambe Bay.

Signatures by party: Labour 78, Conservative 12, Labour/Co-operative 11, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 3, UUP 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.