HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 c590W
Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of sorties carried out by Air Sea Rescue helicopters during 1974 and the number of persons assisted during the same period.

Mr. John

In 1974, Service helicopters participated in 982 search and rescue incidents, and assisted 644 people. Civil helicopters on contract to the Department of Trade participated in 182 incidents, and assisted 56 people.

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost during 1974, and what is the projected cost for 1975, of operating the Air Sea Rescue helicopter service.

Mr. John

For the financial year 1974–75, the operating costs of search and rescue helicopter services in the United Kingdom was approximately £3 million. For the present financial year, the costs are estimated at approximately £3½ million.

Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of operating the Royal Air Force Coastal Air Sea Rescue Service from RAF Manston for the year ended 30th September 1975.

Mr. John

Based on the latest available figures, the cost of operating the RAF Search and Rescue Service at Manston for the period in question is about £270,000.