§ Mr. CARLILEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the report of the proceedings of a conference recently held in Bristol by representatives of the seaports on the Bristol Channel on the subject of the insufficient watching of the coasts; and whether, in view of that report, he will make arrangements for increasing the number of men employed in the Coastguard Service and for the efficient watching and patrolling of our coasts?
§ Mr. McKENNAA copy of the report of the conference at Bristol has been forwarded to the Admiralty and the Board of Trade. As stated on 31st March by the Prime Minister in reply to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth, steps are being taken by the Board of Trade to inquire into the adequacy of the existing arrangements for the protection of life from casualties on the coast, and the Admiralty do not propose to take any independent action in the matter. The position of the Coastguard in regard to watching the coast has already been fully stated to the House, and there is nothing to add.
§ Earl WINTERTONMay I ask whether, in view of the gravity of the situation on the coasts, the right hon. Gentleman will state when this report will be submitted to the House?
§ Mr. McKENNAI stated that a copy of the report had been forwarded to the Admiralty and the Board of Trade. I have no doubt it appeared in the Press at the time.