HC Deb 02 July 1907 vol 177 cc519-20
Major SEELY (Liverpool, Abercromby)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Coastguard perform many functions which can best be discharged by men of the Royal Navy, especially life-saving services, he can give an assurance that the present system shall be maintained, such proportion of the cost of the coastguard being charged to the Board of Trade Vote as may be considered reasonable in consideration of services rendered by the coastguard not of a naval character.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

As the whole subject is now under consideration, it is impossible to give any assurance as to the result, but in the event of the present system being retained, I will make a note of my hon. friend's suggestion.

MAJOR SEELY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty when the Report of the inter-Departmental Commit tee on His Majesty's Coastguard will be laid upon the Table of this House.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The Report is being considered by the Admiralty, and has been referred to other Departments concerned. It is quite premature till these discussions are con- cluded to give any undertaking such as-is suggested in the Question.

MAJOR SEELY

asked whether, in view of the promises of his right hon. friend, this Report would be laid before the rising of Parliament.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I cannot give any pledge.

MAJOR SEELY

But you gave a promise.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

said he did not remember the promises, but if they had been made they would be kept.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (Worcestershire, E.)

asked whether it might be assumed that no further action would be taken in regard to closing Coast guard stations until the Report was laid.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I have promised that many times.