With reference to the letter by James Green entitled Safety Flaw At The MFCC (January 6), may we point out that MFCC invests heavily in its safety measures to ensure the maximum public safety. MFCC is a venue large enough to accommodate thousands of people. In total there are 30 double doors along the sides of the venue. The area utilised for the panto was a space adapted to take 1,050 persons. It logically follows that not all the doors need to be open for this event. The exits required to cover the area being utilised during the performances were open and accessible to the visiting public. Other areas which were not being utilised by the panto were blocked to the public, or had restricted access.

The pyrotechnics used on stage were professional stage pyrotechnics and certified appropriate for indoor use on stages and were imported specifically for the event. All materials used inside the structure, namely carpets and fabrics, and the structure itself, are certified flame retardant materials. During all events including the panto we hire stand-by security personnel and qualified first aiders.

May I point out to Mr Green that the first important rule to ensure safety is that the public obeys rules and does not cause panic when there is no need for it. Fabricating possible situations and comparing reality to a teddy bear tea party is indeed not very objective.

While the panto was being staged at the MFCC, the other part of the venue was being set up for the New Year's Eve party which was held on December 31. This was the largest indoor New Year's Eve event ever hosted in Malta with a record attendance of over 6,000 persons. The security measures taken to ensure safety during this event exceeded any measures taken anywhere else in Malta and included a stand-by fire engine, three ambulances with emergency crew, private security personnel, the police force and the drug squad. It is thanks to all these efforts put together that security and safety is ensured. From our end we would like to thank the police force and all the other entities with whom MFCC works closely to ensure public safety.

To conclude, I wish to congratulate MADC for the panto performance and Fresh Promotions for the New Year's Eve event and thank them both for their terrific performances. I wish all a Happy New Year.