asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what arrangements have been made with the Government of the Republic of Ireland to facilitate Royal Navy air-sea rescue work in Republic waters.

Through meetings between the authorities of the two countries, effective liaison is maintained on all forms of air-sea rescue work.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this work is an important feature of the Service in Royal Navy bases in Northern Ireland, and can he tell me in particular what message of appreciation he received from the Republic Government after the Royal Navy helicopters had indulged in dangerous rescue work in violent weather conditions off the "Eagle" last winter?

Off the cuff, no.