HC Deb 22 May 1991 vol 191 c529W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the terms of the unsolicited offer received by his Department for the contractorisation of part of the search and rescue services presently provided by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No. This information is commercially confidential.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed consideration of the unsolicited offer received by his Department for the contractorisation of parts of the search and rescue operations presently provided by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The provision of military search and rescue cover around the United Kingdom is being reviewed as part of the MOD's work on the "Options for Change" proposals. It will not be possible to consider the potential for contractorisation until the outcome of this work is clearer.