§ 74. Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in the light of the deaths which occurred off the east coast of Scotland on 9th November, and the inability of the Royal Air Force to provide helicopter assistance, he will take steps to improve air-sea rescue services, in particular by providing increased resources for better co-ordination of these services, and a direction as to who is responsible when an emergency occurs.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI would refer my hon. Friend to my replies to the hon. Member for Blythe (Mr. Milne) on 30th October and the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 9th November. We are having discussions with the interested organisations about air-sea rescue services. I hope to be able to make a statement on the use of helicopters as soon as possible.