§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, how many coastguard stations have been closed in Ireland since May, 1905; will he state the total number of men withdrawn from these closed stations; how many coastguard stations now remain open in Ireland, and the total number of men employed at these; and whether it is proposed to close any further Irish stations?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. R. McKenna)Fifty-two coastguard stations and detachments have been closed in Ireland since May, 1905. Two hundred and seventy-nine men were withdrawn from these closed stations and detach- 327 ments. One hundred and forty-nine coastguard stations and detachments now remain open in Ireland, and 812 men are employed at these stations and detachments. Approval was given to the closing of the station at Portaferry, but it has now been submitted for consideration that this station may be retained and the station at Strangford closed in lieu. It is not proposed to close any further Irish stations.