§ Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONasked what is the total number of Coastguard stations of every grade suppressed since 1st January, 1906, in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland respectively?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number of Coastguard stations and detachments closed since 1st January, 1906, is as follows:—England, 79; Scotland, 5; Wales, 4; and Ireland, 47; total, 135. I may add that no men have been dismissed in consequence of this reduction.
§ Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONMay I ask if it is contemplated to make a further reduction?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe policy of the Admiralty from time to time will be declared.
§ Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total reduction of the personnel of the Coastguard since 1st January, 1906?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe personnel of the Coastguard on 1st January, 1906, numbered 4,150, and on 1st February, 1910, it numbered 3,252, the total reduction during that period being 898. As the Coastguard are included in the active personnel of the Fleet, this reduction in the Coastguard has rendered 898 men immediately available for service at sea.