HC Deb 02 December 1908 vol 197 cc1446-7
MR. W. F. D. SMITH

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the further Report of the Inter-Departmental Conference on the Coastguard has been received by the Admiralty and, if so, whether he proposes to make it public.

MR. MCKENNA

The Report has been received and is being dealt with in the Department. The question of publishing it will be considered when the Admiralty are in a position to make a statement upon their policy in the matter of the Coastguard.

MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N. W.)

Stall we have an opportunity of considering the Report before the discussion of next year?

MR. MCKENNA

I cannot undertake to publish the Report. I must consider it.

EARL WINTERTON (Sussex, Horsham)

On what grounds does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to publish the Report?

MR. MCKENNA

I have not refused; I have said the Admiralty are considering it.

EARL WINTERTON

But on what ground does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to give an undertaking to publish the Report?

MR. MCKENNA

Because at present it is under the consideration of the Admiralty.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of inviting the noble Lord to join the Coastguard?

[No Answer was returned.]