§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if there has been any discussion or consultation between his Department and the Civil Aviation Authority as to whether the replacement of Sea King helicopters with Wessex helicopters at RAF Coltishall may reduce the effective capability of the air-sea rescue services in the event of a civilian emergency.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe deployment of military search and rescue helicopters is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Defence, but he consulted my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport about the planned changes. The new deployment of RAF helicopters on the east coast will more than meet the minimum criteria recommended by the Helicopter Coverage Group, and my 441W right hon. Friend is satisfied that they adequately meet the civil requirement. The Civil Aviation Authority is not responsible for search and rescue arrangements.