To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what testing will take place prior to the proposed closure of the maritime rescue and co-ordination centre at Clyde in December 2012.

Preparations have been under way since the announcement on 22 November 2011 for the closure of Clyde. Testing will be carried out prior to the closure of Clyde Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to ensure that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is able to maintain the same quality of search and rescue service as at present.

This will include the management of Clyde MRCC's current operational area by the centres at Belfast and Stornoway, while Clyde is still operational, to ensure a smooth transition. Staff from these three centres are already carrying out cross-training.