I SEE that Cleveleys Conservative, Mark Hamer is again descending to personal attacks (18th March Citizen).

There must be a Government Election approaching!

To put the records straight about my position on the Canatxx planning proposal, I have never said I am in favour of the project.

Like my colleague Hilton Dawson MP, in whose constituency the proposed gas storage facility would be sited, I received assurances to some of my safety concerns.

But this did not stop me asking further questions, raising more concerns and representing the views of my constituents. We jointly urged our constituents to raise their objections with Lancashire County Council (The Fleetwood Weekly News 28th January 2004 and the Gazette Thursday 29th January 2004).

We together made a call in the House of Commons (EDM 453 tabled 20th January 2004) criticising Canatxx for failing to attend public meetings on their proposals. Last year, after the planning application was made, I also contacted the County Council, the Health and Safety Executive and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister about it.

Over the last few weeks I have asked many more questions of Canatxx and shall continue to do so.

I am pleased to have worked closely with Hilton Dawson MP for the past several months and shall continue to ask questions, seek reassurances and express the concerns of my constituents on such an important issue.

Joan Humble MP

Blackpool North and Fleetwood Constituency

Constituency Office,

216 Lord Street

Fleetwood