HC Deb 02 July 1907 vol 177 c532
Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

I beg. to ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends to take to keep the rocket apparatus at those stations from which the coastguards have been removed in as efficient a state as it was before their removal; or whether it is intended to leave any of those stations without rocket apparatus.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

At stations from which the coastguard has been re moved, arrangements have been made with a view to keeping the rocket life-saving service in as efficient a state as heretofore. The apparatus will in most cases be in charge either of a pensioned coastguard or of a capable civilian, but in some instances it will be worked by the coastguard from a flank station. It is not intended to leave any of the stations without rocket apparatus.

Lord BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)

Will this new service involve any addition to the Board of Trade Vote?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

thought there would not be any increase in the Vote for this service this year.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

asked whether the right hon. Gentle man had satisfied himself that where the apparatus was to be worked from flank stations no loss of life would result from delay.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

agreed that that was a very important matter, which he would certainly bear in mind. He understood that at the present moment the arrangements were very effective in the flank stations.