§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister for Trade whether his Department has investigated the possibility of charging for services provided by the coastguard and maritime rescue services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatAs mentioned in the report of a resource control review of Her Majesty's Coastguard, my Department is studying the practicability of recovering search and rescue costs from those for whose benefit the service is provided. When this study is completed, I shall consider whether there is a case for changing the current practice whereby most of the costs are met by the taxpayer. I fully appreciate the wide ranging implication of such a change, and I would envisage the fullest consultation with those concerned with search and rescue before deciding to introduce it.