§ MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the totally unwatched condition of the north coast of Devon and to the two wrecks that occurred there recently without being observed or assisted by the coastguard; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to provide for the more efficient watching of this part of the coast.
§ MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)Before that Question is answered may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that an inquiry is to be held at Barnstaple on 20th November next which will embrace the question of the 474 efficiency of the coastguard in the neighbourhood?
§ *THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Dr. MACNAMARA, Camberwell, N.)The circumstances in which the two wrecks occurred are, it is understood, being considered by the Board of Trade. Although the coastguard co-operate as far as their duties permit in rendering assistance in cases of shipwreck, it is not part of their regular duty to patrol the coast for the purpose of watching for casualties, as will be evident from a perusal of the Blue-book (Command Number 4091) presented to Parliament this year.
§ MR. FELLMay I ask if in this duty of patrolling the coast these coastguards do not render very efficient service in finding wrecks of this kind, and would it not be better if more men should not be dismissed?
§ *DR. MACNAMARAI have said it is not part of the regular duty of these men to patrol the coast for the purpose of watching for casualties.
§ SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD (Somersetshire, Wellington)In view of this reduction of coastguards may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that there is no harbour of refuge on that side of the Bristol Channel between Land's End and Bristol, and whether he will give his early consideration to the provision of a harbour of refuge?
§ *DR. MACNAMARAThat is a Question which should, I think, be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.