§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has received from commercial companies advocating privatisation of the search and rescue services provided by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy; and whether he is giving consideration to these proposals.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department has received proposals from Bristow Helicopters Limited advocating the transfer of responsibility for United Kingdom search and rescue helicopter units to civil contractors. These are being given careful consideration.