HC Deb 30 March 1971 vol 814 cc350-1W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many meetings his Department has had in 1971 with representatives of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute to consider improvement of the air-sea rescue service off the north-east coast of Scotland;

(2) with what non-Governmental bodies his Department has had discussions over the last six months on the subject of improving air-sea rescue services off the north-east coast of Scotland in general and with regard to helicopters in particular; if he considers that his Department now has sufficient information to come to firm decisions regarding such improvements; or what further non-Governmental bodies his Department requires to meet to elicit what information.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Since the court of inquiry last October into the capsizing of the Fraserburgh life-boat discussions have been held with B.E.A. Helicopters Ltd. the Post Office the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Scottish fishing interests. At the four meetings with the R.N.L.I. this year discussions have not been confined to the north-east coast of Scotland. Modifications to procedures have been introduced. Advice from non-Governmental bodies on the effectiveness of the search and rescue organisation will continue to be sought whenever this seems desirable.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate his Department has made of the cost of implementing the use of British European Airways helicopters stationed at Dyce and Lowestoft in air-sea rescue as suggested by the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South, on 17th November;

(2) if his Department is considering the use of commercial helicopter operators other than British European Airways as part of an air-sea rescue service off the north-east coast of Scotland, on the lines that will apply to the south-east of England; and what approximate estimate his Department has made of the cost of such service for the north-east of Scotland;

(3) if he has come to a decision about the future of the use of helicopters in air-sea rescue operations off the north-east coast of Scotland; what his decision is; or by what date he expects to announce such a decision.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Consideration of the future use of helicopters, including the posibility of using civil helicopters, in air-sea rescue operations in the North Sea is continuing. The cost of such operations would depend on the number of hours flown.