HC Deb 12 November 1958 vol 595 cc371-2
30 . Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the assistance which has been given by helicopters around the British coast in cases of aeroplane accidents, shipwrecks and bathers in danger of drowning; and if he will consider the establishment of rescue stations on similar lines to that of the lifeboat system.

Mr. Neave

My right hon. Friend is well aware of this and he is always glad to have an opportunity of paying tribute to the outstanding work done by the crews of Royal Naval and Royal Air Force helicopters in the saving of life around our coasts.

At present there is no need to supplement their efforts by the creation of a separate helicopter service.

Mr. Awbery

In view of the tremendous success of the use of helicopters for saving life and the growing need for this service around the coasts to supplement the lifeboat service, will the hon. Gentle- man give some consideration to the establishment of some helicopter depôts, especially for use during the summer?

Mr. Neave

As the hon. Member knows, I have thought about this matter. I sent him a list of the various helicopter stations some time ago. In our view, that list is sufficient to provide an efficient search and rescue service at present.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter has long been considered by the Lifeboat Institution and it has been found that the present Service help from helicopters is extremely good and is adequate. In view of the high cost of operating helicopters, which I believe to be £50 an hour at the moment, it is not practicable to extend the service, although it may be when helicopter prices and operating costs are more reasonable.

Mr. Neave

I am grateful for what my hon. Friend has said and I know that he has studied the matter. At present, we should not be justified in seeking to establish separate helicopter services under civil auspices.