§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has reviewed the use of breeches buoy rescue equipment by Her Majesty's coastguard; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonWith the progressive improvement of lifeboat and helicopter search and rescue services, the use of the breeches buoy as a method of rescuing stranded mariners has progressively declined, and, as I recently informed my hon. Friend such equipment has been used for rescue purposes only twice in the past five years. I have now concluded that the provision of this equipment for use by HM Coastguard is no longer justified, and it will shortly be withdrawn.
I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many past and present regular and auxiliary coastguards who have perfected the use of the breeches buoy apparatus, and to assure them that its removal in no way diminishes the importance of the service which they provide.