§ Mr. StanbrookTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to take any action to enhance search and rescue facilities on Lough Neagh.
§ Dr. MawhinneyResponsibility for the preservation of life on Lough Neagh rests with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. In addition to the RUC and other emergency services there is a voluntary search and rescue service for the lough which has a vessel maintained by Craigavon borough council. In order to enhance this service the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland intends to make a one-off grant of £60,000 to the council for the purchase of a second vessel and ancillary equipment.
Parliamentary approval to this new expenditure will be sought in a supplementary estimate for the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, vote 4, section G. Pending that approval urgent expenditure estimated at £60,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.