Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the extent of involvement of Ministry of Defence personnel and equipment in air-sea rescue missions around the coast of the Republic of Ireland during the weekend 2 to 5 February; what was the estimated cost of these operations; what contribution to the cost is being made by the Republic of Ireland; and 453W what is the net cost to United Kingdom taxpayers to provide this air-sea rescue service in and around the Republic of Ireland that weekend.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonTwo RAF Nimrods from RAF St. Mawgan and three RAF Sea Kings from RAF Brawdy and associated aircrews were involved in operations on 5 February to assist the bulk carrier Tribulus when she got into difficulties some 270 miles south-west of Bantry bay in the Republic of Ireland, within the United Kingdom search and rescue region. The estimated cost of these military deployments was £275,000. The Government of the Republic of Ireland were not requested to make a contribution to the cost of these operations since they were carried out in an area for which the United Kingdom is responsible. In general, the question of charging foreign Governments for civil search and rescue incidents is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.