§ MR. NIELD (Middlesex, Ealing)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the coastguard stations in Scotland have an average coast line of 10 miles to look after, and that several of such stations are and have for two years past been 50 per cent. short of their proper complement; and whether he will take steps to bring up these stations to their proper strength without delay.
§ MR. McKENNAThe total coastline in Scotland in which the fifty-six coastguard stations at present existing are stationed, is about 420 miles. Without further inquiry, it is not possible to state what extent the complements have been modified during the past two years; but since April, 1906, the total strength of the coastguard in Scotland has been reduced from 253 to 208. The numbers now borne are considered by the Admiralty adequate for the duties required.