§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendation of the report of the Committee to Review the Marine Search and Rescue Organisation of the United Kingdom that the Government should examine the possibility of making civil funds available for the operation of search and rescue helicopters where there is inadequate coverage by military aircraft.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantA civil helicopter for marine search and rescue purposes has already been provided for a trial period at Manston in Kent. Arrangements have also recently been made for the use of B.E.A. helicopters based at Aberdeen for long-range search and rescue work in the North Sea. I am at present considering whether any further measures will be necessary in the south west of England when the R.A.F. detachment moves from Chivenor in Devon.