HC Deb 30 January 1975 vol 885 c309W
Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether it is Government policy not to employ aircraft to search for missing vessels at sea if a number of surface vessels are already doing so; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Clinton Davis

No. Each case is decided on its merits. The factors taken into account include the visibility and weather conditions in the search area, the possibility of a false alarm, and the extent to which the use of an aircraft would significantly increase the chances of finding the missing vessel.