§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what naval help has so far been made available and what help he proposes following the Portland storms ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert C. Brown:During the storms at Portland in December, the local naval authorities responded to various requests for assistance from the civil authorities. On 12th and 13th December naval personnel, including divers and boats crews, took part in immediate rescue operations, Service bedding was lent, and Royal Navy ambulances provided an emergency service. On 15th to 17th December about 100 naval personnel assisted in the removal of debris and in cleaning and drying out homes and their contents. Now that the immediate emergency is over, questions about possible assistance to the local authority in rehabilitation work are more properly a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.