asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount granted by the Scottish Home Department in each of the last three financial years for the work of mountain rescue teams in Scotland; and what is the current projected expenditure on this.

Financial assistance to civilian mountain rescue teams is given by police authorities, whose expenditure, provided it complies with established criteria is eligible for 50 per cent. Government grant. In addition, the Scottish Home and Health Department provides, free of charge, the equipment and supplies required for about 30 first aid posts in the mountains. The total annual cost incurred by police authorities in connection with police teams, civilian teams and mixed teams cannot be separately identified.