MR PATRICK LAURANCE AND THE FAMILY HOLIDAY ASSOCIATION

Early day motion 741, tabled 21 January 2008 by Gordon Marsden (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House acknowledges with gratitude the life and work of Patrick Laurance, co-founder with his wife Joan, of the Family Holiday Association, which from humble beginnings in 1975 has grown to provide today over 1,600 disadvantaged families with short breaks to seaside towns in Britain every year; acknowledges also Patrick Laurance's tireless and selfless work as a volunteer for Dignity in Dying and other voluntary organisations; pays tribute to all those who support and assist the Family Holiday Association and its Director, John McDonald, as it advocates further extension of support for disadvantaged families to take holidays; and urges Government and other interested parties to examine favourably such ideas as a lasting tribute to Patrick Laurance's memory.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 3, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.