§ 37. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he proposes to introduce legislation to repeal the Coastguard Service Act, 1856; whether any steps will be taken to reduce the Coastguard before such legislation has been passed; whether he can state what will be the effect of the proposed reductions; and on what principle it is proposed that they should be carried out?
§ Mr. AMERYThe legislation required to enable the Board of Trade to carry out their new duties is under consideration, and a Bill will, no doubt, be introduced 469 as soon as possible. Arrangements are being made to discharge the personnel of the Coastguard (other than that required for the Naval Signalling Service) with compensation or pension as the case may be, but every endeavour will be made to recruit the personnel required for the Board of Trade and Customs Services respectively from the discharged Coastguard, those retained being selected according to their qualifications in signals and wireless telegraphy and to their general suitability.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we to understand the men will be discharged before such legislation is proceeded with?
§ Viscount CURZONI understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that legislation was under consideration. If legislation is necessary, are you going to carry out the discharges before it is passed?