To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2006, Official Report, column 2052W, on search and rescue services, what timetable he has set for (a) the assessment to be completed, (b) further announcements to be made, (c) invitations to tender to run the services and (d) other matters relevant to the future operation of search and rescue services in the UK. (81981)

The timing for the competition for UK Helicopter Search and Rescue capability is set out in the Official Journal of the European Union Notice (No 2006/S 90-096731) of 12 May 2006. This advises that it is planned to complete the Competitive Dialogue process in mid 2008, at which time the final invitation to tender is planned to be issued. The final assessment of basing solutions and all other relevant matters will be completed after this, with announcements made when the decisions are mature.