HC Deb 10 December 2002 vol 396 cc209-10W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 3 December 2002,Official Report, column 673W, whom he has appointed; what facilities he has at his disposal; and what budget he has. [86233]

Mr. Jamieson

The information is as follows:

  1. (a) The Secretary of State appointed Robin Middleton as Secretary of State's Representative (SOSREP) for salvage and intervention on 4 October 1999.
  2. (b) The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provide him with an office and administrative support for day to day running. During incidents, specialised offshore counter pollution and salvage equipment is available at the MCA's depots at Milford Haven and Burnt Island.
There are now also four Emergency Towing Vessels stationed all year in strategic locations around the United Kingdom. These are available to be directed by SOSREP. Aerial surveillance can also be provided by the MCA.

(c) SOSREP does not have an individual budget. Funding is provided by the Directorate of Operations at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Southampton as necessary.

To date Robin Middleton has been involved in over 261 incidents issuing 29 directions, setting up 17 salvage control units and attending seven national exercises.