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Rennie presses Minister for financial support for Mines Rescue Service
May 17, 2006 11:58 AM
Local MP, Willie Rennie, has met with Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, to press for interim financial support for the Mines Rescue Service (MRS), which has its Scottish base at Crossgates.
The MRS, was privatised in 1994 and has depended since then on fees from pit operators. With coal mining in decline, the Service has been diversifying over the last few years, securing income from other sources. It provides important training and support for the public emergency services for which it is paid. However, it needs further investment in order to expand further the services it can provide.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Rennie said:
"Despite the decline of the coal mining industry, there is ongoing - and growing - demand for the expertise of the Mines Rescue Service.
"Our local team in Crossgates provides extremely valuable support, including training for the public emergency services. Mines Rescue Services played vital roles in emergency search and rescue operations following the Stockline Plastics tragedy in Glasgow and the July 7th bombings.
"The Mines Rescue Service faces a difficult challenge as it moves from pit operator fees only to a greater variety of funding sources. The Service faces a shortfall of £300,000 this year. Without Government support, it cannot make the necessary investment to continue the transition.
"The Energy Minister listened to the representations from myself, the Mines Rescue Service and other Members of Parliament. He was interested in the expert services provided by the MRS and wanted to know how and if they are utilised by other emergency services. Whilst the Minister said there was no funding available from the Department of Trade and Industry he did agree to review the situation.
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