§ 6. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make 244 a statement on the number of people rescued by Royal Naval helicopters in each of the past five years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Frank Judd)Complete figures are available only from 1972 and are as follows: 1972, 25; 1973, 62; 1974, 160— making a total of 247.
These statistics cover only those Royal Naval helicopters within the United Kingdom search and rescue region; rescues by ship-borne helicopters are not normally recorded.
§ Mr. HardyIs the Minister aware that the information that he has given suggests a very real achievement? Does he not feel that all those involved in these rescue activities deserve great commendation and wholehearted approbation?
§ Mr. JuddI am certain that I speak for all of my colleagues when I thank my hon. Friend for those very appropriate remarks. Certainly we wish to pay a warm tribute to all those who operate this service, in not only the Royal Navy but the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. CostainDoes the Minister appreciate the efforts that some of us have made to ensure that this service is maintained, particularly in the South-East? After these figures, will he give an assurance that no one will be able to persuade him to stop the service?