To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what responsibility Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is planned to have in relation to aquatic events hosted at Weymouth as part of the 2012 Olympic Games; and how many marine craft Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has. (191233)

[holding answer 3 March 2008]: Dorset fire and rescue authority participates in two groups responsible for co-ordinating security at the Olympic events in Weymouth. These are: the Dorset Strategic Partnership, the overarching body that is co-ordinating wider games planning within Dorset; and the Dorset Emergency Services Strategic Group chaired by Dorset police.

The authority does not own any marine craft. Responsibility for search and rescue at sea lies with HM Coastguard. The degree of support afforded to HM Coastguard by costal fire and rescue authorities is a matter for local risk assessment by the individual authorities.