§ Mr. Gallowayasked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements climbers and hillwalkers will be expected to make in the event of privatisation of the helicopter rescue service.
§ Mr. FreemanOn its initiative, Bristow Helicopters Ltd. has put forward proposals advocating the transfer to commercial contractors of the search and rescue helicopter service currently provided by the RN and RAF. We are studying its ideas but have not yet reached any conclusions. It would therefore be premature to comment on arrangements for any particular interest group in the event of privatisation.
While the Ministry of Defence's concern is primarily the recovery of military personnel, I can assure the hon. Member that the decisions taken will reflect the Government's commitment to maintaining an efficient search and rescue service, for both military personnel and civilians.