Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Transport what provision there is for marine rescue between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man; and if he will make a statement on the future of the marine rescue sub-centre at Ramsey, Isle of Man.
§ Mr. RidleyHer Majesty's Coastguard has maritime rescue sub-centres at Belfast and Ramsey providing 24-hour coverage of, and co-ordinating capability for, marine search and rescue incidents which occur in the sea area between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Declared rescue facilities are provided by RNLI lifeboats at Donaghadee and Newcastle in Northern Ireland and at Port Erin and Port St. Mary on the Isle of Man, with rescue helicopters of the Royal Navy at Prestwick in Scotland and the Royal Air Force at Valley, North Wales. There are no plans to change these arrangements.