§ Mr. FELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain why he is endeavouring, by advertisement and otherwise, to sell the land and buildings of several coastguard stations on the East Coast; and if he will state what stations are to be sold?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe land and buildings in question are those of coastguard stations which were closed in pursuance of the policy stated by the then Financial Secretary on 3rd March, 1908, that "it must be understood that certain reductions which would have been necessary in any case must be effected now. There is a recognised redundancy both in men and stations"; this land and the buildings are not required for naval purposes, nor by the War Office or Board of Customs, and steps are accordingly being taken to dispose of them. They are situated at the following places:—
Northcotes. Sea Salter. St. Peter's. Bishopstone. Fleethaven. Birchington. Walton Creek. Epple Bay. Eastchurch. Westgate.
§ Mr. FELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider the advisability of not parting with any coastguard stations or Government land round the East Coast until he has ascertained that they cannot possibly be required in the near future for the erection of garages for dirigible balloons or aeroplanes, and that the buildings would not be of advantage for the accommodation of the men in charge of them?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe value of any land and buildings which may at present be the property of the Admiralty will be fully considered before they are parted with.
§ Mr. FELLWill he, in considering the value of these lands and stations, have in view the objects which I have alluded to in this question, which, although they may be of no moment now, may in the future be of great value?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Admiralty will not lose sight of the point raised by the hon. Member. It is a very important point.