HC Deb 19 February 1990 vol 167 cc578-9W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, how many persons were in the Independent Television network camera crew which embarked on the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet at Glasgow airport; and whether any facility fee was paid to his Department.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Two persons were carried. No charges were levied against the camera crew. The extra costs to the Ministry of Defence were small.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, what landing charges were paid for the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet which landed at Glasgow airport; and who paid them.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Landing charges of £23.20 for landing at Glasgow on the outbound and return trips were paid by the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, what were (a) the times of departure from Prestwick of the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet, (b) the time of its arrival at Glasgow airport, (c) the time of its departure from Glasgow airport and (d) the time of its arrival over the search area.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The times were as follows:(a) 08.04, (b) 08.15, (c) 08.34 and (d) 09.13.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, at what time the radio breakdown was discovered which delayed the departure of the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet; and when this fault was rectified.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The defect was discovered at approximately 07.20 and was rectified at approximately 08.00.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, what is the normal route to the Ben Nevis area from Prestwick by the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The route from Prestwick to Fort William taken by search and rescue crews will vary depending on circumstances such as predicted weather over the flight paths and the time of day. Given the prevailing weather conditions of the area the normal route is via the Crinan canal and then along the coast to Ben Nevis.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 January,Official Report, columns 690–91, what time the request was received that an Independent Television network camera crew be carried on the search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet; and when the request was granted.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The request was received by HMS Gannet at approximately 07.20 and permission was given shortly afterwards.