Minister urged to end rescue craft rumours

The clear-the-air call comes from former South Dorset MP Ian Bruce who wants assurances about the future of the Portland-based aircraft.

Mr Jamieson recently told the House of Commons that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had made no firm decision on renewing the Bristow's contract for the search and rescue helicopter which expires in May 2003.

But he did say that the MCA was having discussions with the Ministry of Defence about the future provision of UK search and rescue helicopters with a view to "harmonising" the service in the future.

Mr Bruce said he was very concerned about what might happen to the Portland helicopter and he added: "Ever since the MOD stopped providing the rescue service in Portland the MCA has been trying to remove our helicopter.

"So far the Government has refused to let them. Now it appears that the Minister is not willing to guarantee the helicopter's survival."

Mr Bruce paid tribute to the work done by the local community and the borough council to fight an attempt to close down the town's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

And he urged people to call on Mr Jamieson to come to Weymouth to hear concerns about the helicopter.

Mr Jamieson told the House of Commons that contracts for search and rescue helicopters at Portland and Lee-on-Solent both expire on May 13, 2003.

He added: "The agency is considering future contracts and discussions about the detail are continuing.

"Any new contracts should be signed by 12 May, 2003 to ensure no break in the provision of the service."

He also said that the agency was holding talks with relevant organisations about improvements at Portland and Lee-on-Solent but no firm decisions had been made.

He concluded: "The MCA is currently engaged with the Ministry of Defence about the future provision of UK search and rescue helicopters with a view to harmonising the service in the future."