§ Mr. FELLasked if it is proposed to still further reduce the coastguard service in the present year; and, if so, can he state what stations it is proposed to close?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is not proposed to make any further reductions in the force during the present year, nor is it proposed to close any more stations.
§ Mr. FELLasked what was the reason for the selection for closing of the two coastguard stations of Queenborough and Killingholme and the detachment Balaclava; what stations have taken over the duties of the stations closed; were the 148 men reduced employed at these stations; and have a number of other coastguard stations been reduced in addition to the stations actually closed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe coastguard stations at Queenborough and Killingholme and the detachment at Balaclava were closed because revised arrangements came 350 into force for carrying out the duties for which they were responsible, whereby their retention became unnecessary. The Board of Customs and Excise took over all the duties at Queenborough and part of the duties at Killingholme; the remainder of the duties at the latter station were transferred to the coastguard at Skitter Point, and the duties carried out at Balaclava were transferred to the coastguard at Fortuneswell. The 148 men reduced were not taken specially from the stations closed, but this number was reduced throughout the coastguard generally at stations which had complements in excess of the numbers required to carry out efficiently the duties for which they were responsible.
§ Mr. FELLAm I right in understanding that, in addition to the coastguard stations actually closed, a considerable number of other stations were reduced in number?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. The reduction did not take place in regard to the specific 148 men employed at those particular stations, but the reduction took place throughout the service.