HC Deb 16 December 1980 vol 996 c97W
Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many patrol boats are owned or operated by the Coastguard Service.

Mr. Tebbit

The Coastguard Service has 36 boats of various sorts.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many surveillance aircraft are owned or operated by the Coastguard Service; and what acquisitions are proposed by the service.

Mr. Tebbit

For some years the Department has chartered a light aircraft to assist in identifying vessels that may be in breach of the international collision regulations in the Dover Straits. The Department does not propose to buy any aircraft for this or any other Coastguard purpose.