Up early and into the office for a meeting with HeliOps, the commercial helicopter company hoping to take over the SAR base on Portland shortly. Having worked with this company for more than two years, and being so near to success, I became frustrated to hear that petty bureaucracy was still proving an obstacle, although not a fatal one. The company has won a contract to train German SAR crews and real time flying must start from Portland in about three weeks, so some urgency is needed. I have requested to meet the Secretary of State to see if we undo the log-jam. Meanwhile, HeliOps continues to negotiate its way through the various hoops. The company will make provision for both day and night refuelling for any SAR aircraft sent to search our waters. This is an important facility, allowing helicopters more time over the search area and only having to travel a short distance to refuel. I am still very disappointed that the Government chose to close our SAR base, but this compromise will continue to see helicopters operating from Portland, retaining the skills that are so much part of our heritage on the island. I then travelled to Devon to speak to a Patrons' Club outside Honiton, a long-standing engagement that I'd had to cancel once already. The drive was a nightmare and consisted of a traffic jam from Dorchester to Honiton! I did arrive eventually and was greeted warmly by my hosts. We had a good lunch, after which I spoke for about 20 minutes, before taking questions, which came thick and fast. They are all delighted that their able MP, Neil Parish, held the Seat well. Then, at about 1600, I drove home, again fighting traffic all the way. It was Friday evening, after all.