HC Deb 11 August 1966 vol 733 cc380-1W
Mr. Bessell

asked the President of the Board of Trade at what time on Monday 1st August Air-Sea Rescue Command at Plymouth was first advised that the pleasure boat "Darlwin" had been reported missing; and what steps were taken to effect a search.

Mr. Jay

At 05.50 hours. Details of the air search were given to the House by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force on Wednesday, 3rd August, and Friday, 5th August.

Mr. Bessell

asked the President of the Board of Trade at what time on Monday 1st August the coastguard stations were first advised that the pleasure boat "Darlwin" was overdue at Falmouth; and what steps were taken to effect a search, and by whom.

Mr. Jay

At 02.45 hours. All Coastguard Stations between Falmouth and Fowey and the lifeboats at Falmouth and Fowey were informed about the missing boat and a broadcast to shipping was requested in order that searches could be started at daybreak. An air search was requested at 05.50 hours. Intensive searches were made during this and the succeeding two days.

Mr. Bessell

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his private office informed the hon. Member for Bodmin on 3rd August that the Shackleton aircraft to be used that afternoon to recommence the search for the pleasure boat "Darlwin" had developed engine trouble; and why that office subsequently informed the hon. Member that the aircraft had been repaired and that the search would be resumed at 3.30 p.m. British Summer Time.

Mr. Jay

Because these were the facts, which were given to the secretary of another hon. Member to be conveyed to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Bessell).

Mr. Bessell

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his private office informed the hon. Member for Bodmin on 3rd August, 1966, that the Shackleton aircraft from St. Mawgan which had been used in the search for the pleasure boat "Darlwin" had been recalled for other duties.

Mr. Jay

Because these were the facts. The aircraft was engaged on the search throughout Monday, 1st August, until dusk. The search was resumed by another Shackleton aircraft the following morning, 2nd August, at 8.07 a.m.