- Mr President, on a point of order. Members will be aware of the incident in the early hours of this morning in my constituency when six people were killed while boarding the Ramsgate to Ostend ferry. I am sure that the House and all Members will join with me in extending our sympathy to the families of those who were killed and in offering the hope that the seven people injured, some of them seriously, make a speedy recovery.

I also hope that all Members will join with me in urging a thorough review of port and ferry safety not only in the light of this incident but also a similar one three weeks ago when a ferry from this same port had to be abandoned by more than 100 members of the crew and passengers.

Finally, I hope that the relevant committee chairmen, as a matter of priority and urgency, will ensure that space is found for this important issue on their agendas.

(Applause)