asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will provide a helicopter safety service for fishermen in North-East Scotland in view of the danger of this area for lifeboats.

Service helicopters based at Lossiemouth and Leuchars may always be called on to assist the civil authorities in an emergency. In addition my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has made arrangements for B.E.A. helicopters at Aberdeen to assist in long-range rescues in the North Sea.