ROYAL MAIL RNLI LIFEBOAT STAMPS

Early day motion 1181, tabled 12 March 2008 by Angus MacNeil (Scottish National Party). Signed by 67 members.

That this House congratulates the Royal Mail on the launch of six commemorative stamps featuring the rescue work of RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard helicopters and particularly praises the inclusion of the Barra Island Lifeboat on the first class stamp; notes poignantly that the launch of the stamps, coincidentally is the day after the funeral of a former Barra lifeboat coxswain, Iain (John ) Allan MacNeil, who on 18th November 1979 was coxswain of the Barnet Class Lifeboat which capsized at 3:46 am but which righted successfully due to an RNLI inflatable balloon modification which followed earlier lifeboat losses; further notes that two hours earlier on the same night the Islay lifeboat also capsized and righted itself in what were described as `diabolical' 30ft to 60 ft seas; and applauds the Royal Mail for making such a public tribute to the work of the RNLI volunteers who manifestly can face extreme dangers in their calling.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 6, Scottish National Party 6, DUP 5, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.