PRIVATISATION OF SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES

Early day motion 2004, tabled 20 April 2006 by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 24 members.

That this House notes with concern plans by the Government privately to outsource search and rescue services; further notes that such a move would see RAF, Royal Navy and Coastguard helicopters replaced by civilian aircraft and crews; believes that replacing a public professional service with private companies would not meet the high standards of the military emergency teams that have saved thousands of lives over the decades; agrees with Tim Walker, Director of the Glenmore Lodge National Mountain Training Centre, that military crews would lose `essential training' if no longer involved in civilian rescues; and calls upon the Government to abandon these plans and preserve the well-established and highly professional service currently enjoyed.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 5, Scottish National Party 4, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.