20th anniversary of cockling deaths at Morecambe Bay

This House solemnly notes the 20th anniversary of the death of 23 cocklers in Morecambe Bay on 5 February 2004; honours their memory and holds their loved ones in our thoughts and in our prayers; remains committed to maintaining safety in the Bay and supports legislation that has prevented a repeat of the tragedy; notes with concern however that restriction of access to the Bay has caused great hardship to local families who have cockled for generations; urges the government to reconsider the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority's licensing scheme; recommends local cocklers be given priority for these permits; and calls for family members to be allowed to pass their permits down to younger generations in order to maintain the safety of the Bay and the survival of the local cockling industry.