§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what extra pay, if any, is given to coastguards whose duties are increased owing to the abolition of the coastguard stations adjoining their own?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. M'Kenna)There is no material increase of duties, and no extra pay is given in the cases referred to by the hon. Mem- 1585 ber, as it is not considered that any changes involved in the abolition of adjacent coastguard stations have rendered it desirable.
§ Mr. COURTHOPEIs it not the fact that the length of coast patrolled is very largely increased owing to the abolition of some of the coastguard stations?
§ Mr. M'KENNAIf the hon. Member will be so good as to give me notice of the question I will inquire.
§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked what length of notice is given to coastguards of their removal from one station to another?
§ Mr. M'KENNANo special length of notice is given, and the period varies according to the circumstances of each case. In case of closing a station, the men are warned some months in advance of the probability of a station being closed.
§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked whether it is intended to make further reductions in the coastguard service?
§ Mr. M'KENNAThe requirements of the coastguard service for the time being must govern the number of stations kept up.