HC Deb 20 November 1930 vol 245 cc598-9
45. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to say whether it is his intention to set up a Parliamentary committee to make comprehensive inquiry into the whole question of the coastguard service?

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have been asked to answer this question. As the hon. and gallant Member has already been informed, there will be an inquiry into the general questions raised by the report on the "Islander" case, and an announcement as to the form which the inquiry will take will be made at the earliest possible moment.

Commander SOUTHBY

In view of the urgency of this important matter, cannot the hon. Gentleman say when this inquiry will actually take place?

Mr. GILLETT

The matter is before my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Commander SOUTHBY

If I put a question down in a week's time, will the hon. Gentleman be able then to give me a reply?

Mr. GILLETT

I cannot promise that on behalf of my right hon. Friend, but I should think it is quite possible.