§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the United Kingdom gives the Island of Bermuda to help them with air sea rescue, drugs enforcement and shipping control; and if he will make a statement. [96706]
§ Mr. BattleThe UK stands ready to provide technical advice and assistance to Bermuda when necessary. The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency provides air/sea rescue training to Bermuda. Bermuda has access to a British Drugs Liaison Officer (DLO) based in New York and is included in regional drug operations. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency also provides advice and training where required to the Bermudian administration to assist it in fulfilling its obligations under relevant international maritime conventions.