§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what has been the cost of the Air Sea Rescue Service in Essex and Kent, respectively, over each of the last three years; and what he estimates will be the cost over the next year if the alteration he proposes, happens;
(2) in view of the representations he has had from Kent and Essex about the alteration he is making in the Air Sea Rescue Helicopter Service, whether he will now reconsider his decision.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe cost of the Helicopter Service at Manston, which serves Essex and Kent, for the last three years was given in a Written Reply on 22nd May—[Vol. 874, c.197]—and the cost of the new service on the Defence Vote was given in a Written Reply on 14th June—[Vol. 874, c. 651.] I see no reason for reconsidering the decision in view of the Defence requirement and the superior performance of Wessex helicopters.