§ 41. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of State for Defence what costs were involved in air-sea rescues undertaken by Coastal Command during 1970 and the nature of the rescues in which the Royal Air Force were involved.
§ Mr. LambtonSearch and rescue helicopters of Strike Command established in support of military flying over the sea cost about £1 million a year. In addition, at least one Shackleton aircraft of Strike Command is always at readiness within the United Kingdom for protracted or distant search and rescue operations. This commitment is met from within the existing long-range maritime patrol force and entails no extra cost. When they can be spared from their Service commitments these aircraft have, as in previous years, responded to calls from civil authorities for assistance in emergencies in seas around our coasts.
§ Mr. MilneIn paying tribute to Coastal Command for its part in air-sea rescues, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will undertake in the very near future, in view of the report on the Fraserburgh lifeboat disaster, to have a look at the question of co-ordination between Coastal Command and the lifeboat service in order further to improve this excellent service?
§ Mr. LambtonThere is already this consultation, I think, but certainly there will be more of it.