. >> the prime minister will be aware of the horrific explosion that took place in salford this week.ur thoughts are with marie burns, the elderly lady who has been severely injured and is in hospital, and with the other people in hospital. some 200 families have had to be evacuated from their homes and i wish to pay tribute to all of the emergency services and the city council, but most of all to the ordinary men and women of that community who have stepped forward. a grandfather rescued a child from the rubble, and neighbors opened the local pub and the leisure centre to give people comfort and shelter. they have done a fabulous job. the costs of this event will be enormous and, like every other service, our council is facing significant reductions in its budget. will the prime minister seriously consider what extra help he can give to those families to ensure that they are supported? my hon. friend the member for worsley and eccles south my hon. friend, in whose constituency this took place, is with the community now- >> we get the essence of it. >> i think that the house is being