HC Deb 15 December 1978 vol 960 cc568-9W
Mr. Grimond

ed the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has any plans to improve search and rescue facilities around the Shetlands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Clinton Davis:

Yes. A contract has been placed with British Airways Helicopters Ltd. to provide a long-range search and rescue helicopter facility based at Sumburgh in the Shetlands specifically for marine search and rescue purposes. The facility will be available from 1st January 1979 and will provide a much improved capability to respond quickly to emergency calls in sea areas to the north and east of the Shetlands.