Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department's funding to sea search and rescue programmes are due to end; what future funding is planned for such programmes; and if she will make a statement.

Border Force is undertaking a vital role in the search and rescue of migrants crossing the Mediterranean, as part of a Frontex led programme. Border Force carried out for the Department for International Development (DFID) funded search and rescue missions in Summer 2015 and is currently undertaking a second DFID funded deployment, which is due to end on 30th April 2016. Given the significant contribution made to date, it is likely that Frontex will invite Border Force to continue its involvement in future search and rescue programmes and Border Force is therefore currently establishing its Mediterranean role after 30th April 2016 and the availability of further DFID funding.