§ Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost to public funds of the armed forces' rescue of balloonist Richard Branson and his pilot; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to public funds of the recent support and rescue operation for Mr. R. Branson and his balloon pilot; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe armed forces stand ready to provide assistance when required if there is immediate danger to life. The Virgin Flyer rescue was such an example. The estimated cost is £34,000, which covers the rescue of Mr. Richard Branson and his pilot and the recovery of the Virgin Flyer from the sea.
Items allocated since 1 January 1987 Item Conditions or wishes expressed Recipient institution Portrait of a Man by Roger van der Weyden Conditional Trustees of Home House Society on behalf of the Courtauld Institute Mother and Child by Sir Jacob Epstein Conditional Birmingham City Art Gallery and Museum Archive from the Dukes of Portland and Newcastle Unconditional—Wish expressed that the Archive be allocated to the five institutions holding the respective parts at the time of the offer Nottingham University Library; Nottinghamshire Record Office; Bodleian Library; British Library. Hampshire Record Office