HC Deb 29 October 1908 vol 195 cc474-6
MR. FELL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if any coastguards have been reduced from the service on the north coast of Devon during the past two years, and whether any have been or are to be reduced during the present year either on this coast or anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

*DR. MACNAMARA

The only coastguard station closed on the north coast of Devon during the past two years is Morthoe, with two men, which was closed on the 25th March, 1907. As stated in the House by the late Financial Secretary, certain reductions in the coastguards are necessary, as there is a redundance both of men and stations—and these are being gradually carried out, thirty-three stations and detachments having been closed during the present year.

MR. FELL

Is not Morthoe situated in the very bay in which these wrecks occurred. Will he reconsider the point if it is redundant?

*DR. MACNAMARA

That matter is being inquired into by the Board of Trade.

MR. GRETTON (Rutland)

asked to what extent the number of the coastguard had been reduced?

*DR. MACNAMARA

asked for notice.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if the life-saving arrangements on the north coast of Devon have been maintained, as promised, in fully as efficient a condition as they were before the reductions in the coastguard took place.

*DR. MACNAMARA

The Board of Trade is the Department responsible for life-saving arrangements, and this Question would appear to be one for that Department.

MR. FELL

May I ask whether in the discussions which arose on the Secretary of the Board of Admiralty's salary it was not promised that the efficiency of the life-saving apparatus would not be affected by the closing of any of the coastguard stations, and are not the Board of Admiralty responsible, therefore, in some degree?

*DR. MACNAMARA

Yes; but the Financial Secretary pointed out that there would be certain stations closed because of redundancy. The whole question of carrying on the life-saving appliances, which we do not desire to be reduced in any way whatever, is now under consideration by both Departments, including the Board of Trade, whoso particular function I am advised it is.

MR. FORSTER (Kent, Sevenoaks)

Will the hon. Gentleman postpone the further reduction of coastguard stations until the Life-saving Appliances Committee have reported?

DR. MACNAMARA

asked for notice of the Question.