HC Deb 23 November 1994 vol 250 cc186-7W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what emergency service personnel and equipment, were placed on board the Stena Sea Lynx prior to exercise Operation Sea Fire on 17 October.

Mr. Norris

This is an operational matter for the Coastguard Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Mr. C. J. Harris to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 23 November 1994: The Secretary of State for Transport had asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question as the question deals with an operational matter, for which I have responsibility as Chief Executive. During exercise SEAFIRE on 10 October 1994 no emergency personnel or equipment, except directing staff (distaff) were placed on board prior to exercise.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the co-ordinates of RAF Chivenor, of the position of the ferry Stena Sea Lynx throughout Operation Sea Fire on 17 October, and the pick-up point in West Glamorgan for firefighters involved in the exercise.

Mr. Norris

This is an operational matter for the Coastguard Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Mr. C. J. Harris to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 23 November 1994: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question as the question deals with an operational matter, for which I have responsibility as Chief Executive. The details of co-ordinates you requested are:

  1. a. RAF Chivenor: 51 05N 04 09W.
  2. b. Stena Sea Lynx during exercise SEAFIRE on 10 October 1994: 51 ION 005 30W - Vessel drifted during exercise.
  3. c. Grid reference for pick-up point for West Glamorgan Fire Service: Sheet 159 672 989.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends to take to ensure that search and rescue helicopters respond within the one-hour limit set by his Department and the Ministry of Defence following the Operation Sea Fire on 17 October.

Mr. Norris

This is an operational matter for the Coastguard Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from C.J Harris to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 23 November 1994: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question as the question deals with an operational matter, for which I have responsibility as Chief Executive. The MOD/DOT target is to locate search and rescue (SAR) helicopters in order to provide a helicopter at a range of 40 miles anywhere off the coast of the United Kingdom in 1 hour by day and 100 miles in 2 hours by night. These criteria are based on readiness states of 15 minutes by day and 45 minutes by night, timings which in normal circumstances are usually bettered.