§ Lord Norrieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the remit of the national search and rescue committee and whether its responsibilities are considered to be exclusively maritime.
The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)The United Kingdom Search and Rescue Committee advises the Secretary of State for Transport on civil maritime and aviation search and rescue. The terms of reference of the committee are:
To keep under review the general arrangements for civil maritime and aviation search and rescue in the United Kingdom, and to make recommendations for any improvements considered necessary.
To consider the implications of intended changes in equipments, deployments or organisation of any arm of the search and rescue organisation in advance of such changes and to advise on any measures necessary.
To consider, as necessary, liaison with neighbouring foreign search and rescue organisations and any regional search and rescue agreements in which the United Kingdom is a participant.