§ MR. W. F. D. SMITHI 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. MCKENNAThe 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. MCKENNAI 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. MCKENNAI have not refused; I have said the Admiralty are considering it.
§ EARL WINTERTONBut on what ground does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to give an undertaking to publish the Report?
§ MR. MCKENNABecause 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.]