§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he last discussed the question of locating a helicopter on the west coast of Scotland for search and rescue work with the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Committee; and what was the result of these discussions;
(2) what further progress he has made in setting a date for locating a helicopter on the west coast of Scotland for search and rescue work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe have not discussed Search and Rescue helicopter coverage for north-west Scotland with the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Committee as a body but receive regular reports from its chairman.
Tendering action is in hand. The precise date on which a search and rescue helicopter will be provided for north-west Scotland will depend on consideration of the responses to invitations. It will, of course, be as soon as possible.