Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there have been any further developments in the provision of SAR helicopters for North-West Scotland following the tragic loss of the fishing vessel "Bon Ami" in December last year.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)Following the loss of the "Bon Ami", the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Committee established a working group to look into the provision of SAR helicopter coverage for civil maritime and aviation purposes.
The working group has now reported and the UK SAR Committee endorsed its findings at a meeting on 1st December. The report contains some important recommendations, the most significant of which are:
- —that standard criteria should be agreed for the provision of SAR helicopter coverage around the UK for civil marine and aviation purposes;
- —that provision be made for a new SAR helicopter facility with an all weather/night capability in NW Scotland and based in the Outer Hebrides;
- —that provision be made to keep a SAR helicopter in the Solent area and for this key facility to be upgraded to a full all weather/night capability.
The report also recommends that the MoD be requested to advise on the implications of shortening, for SAR purposes, call out times of Seaking helicopters at Prestwick and Culdrose; as well as other matters relating to types and capabilities of aircraft.
I welcome the report and will study its recommendations urgently. My department and the Ministry of Defence will carry out a joint review of the arrangements for SAR coverage around the UK coast, in the light of the report. In the meantime, a helicopter will be provided in NW Scotland as soon as possible and we are considering urgently with Ministry of Defence how best to do this.
A copy of the report is available in the Library.