§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the long term for emergency towing vessels in Falmouth. [2176]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Coastguard Agency to carry out an assessment of the trials of Emergency Towing Vessels over the last three winters. These results are expected by the end of July 1997. Meanwhile, the Coastguard Agency has extended the present contracts for all three Emergency Towing Vessels to provide cover during the coming winter in the Dover Strait, North West Scotland and the Western Approaches from October 1997 to March 1998.