§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what control his Department proposes to exercise over a privatised search and rescue service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe continue to study the proposals put forward by Bristow Helicopters Ltd., advocating the transfer to commercial contractors of the search and rescue helicopter service, currently provided by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. No conclusions have yet been reached and no decisions taken.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the financial implications for mountaineers of a privatised search and rescue service.
§ Mr. FreemanI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galloway) on 27 October 1987, at column241.