Written question asked by Nick Ainger (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 November 1996. It was answered by John Bowis (Conservative) on Monday, 25 November 1996 on behalf of the Coastguard Agency.

Dept of Transport;Coastguard Agency

Question: What will be the annual cost of the placing of an emergency towing vessel in (a) the Dover Strait, (b) north western Scotland and (c) the western Approaches from 1st October 1996 to 31st March 1997. - Including text of letter from C J Harris of the Coastguard Agency and figure.

Answer: Mr. Ainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the annual cost of the placing of an emergency towing vessel in (a) the Dover strait, (b) north-western Scotland and (c) the western approaches from 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997. [3640] Mr. Bowis: I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Nick Grainger, dated 25 November 1996: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the cost of placing an emergency towing vessel (ETV) in (a) the Dover Strait, (b) north western Scotland and (c) the western Approaches from 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997. The cost of each contract for emergency towing vessels at (a),(b) and (c) above are commercial in confidence between the Coastguard Agency and the companies involved. However the total budget for the three ETVs for these areas (to cover charter and running costs) between 1 October 1996 and 31 March 1997 is £3.2m.

Secondary information