HC Deb 03 February 1931 vol 247 cc1603-4
16. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the President of the Board of Trade why it was decided to set up a departmental committee to inquire into the efficiency and adequacy of the coastguard service, instead of a Parliamentary Committee with the widest possible powers; whether he will so amend the terms of reference of the committee that its inquiry may cover the whole of the services as carried out by the old Admiralty coastguard service; will he say whether the committee has yet met; and, if so, when and how often?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

After very careful consideration I came to the conclusion that, having regard to the nature of the work to be done, which may include inspections at the coast, the most suitable body to undertake an inquiry into the efficiency and adequacy of the present organisation for carrying out the coast-watching duties of the coastguard service, would be a small departmental committee, and I see no reason to alter that opinion or to modify the terms of reference to the committee. The committee had a preliminary meeting on 29th January.

Commander SOUTHBY

Why should it be necessary to restrict this committee's investigations to coast-watching; and should not the whole question of the coastguard service be brought under consideration?

Mr. GRAHAM

I think the terms of reference are quite wide enough. This inquiry arises out of the unfortunate accident to the "Islander," and the terms of reference cover all the considerations that would be raised by an accident of that kind.

Commander SOUTHBY

But how can any conclusion be arrived at regarding the efficiency of the present service unless the whole question of the old service is taken into consideration?

Mr. GRAHAM

I expressly stated to the House that large questions of policy such as the coastguard service of the Admiralty would not be included, but that everything bearing on the efficiency of the discharge of these duties and their organisation and the rest would be material for this committee.

Sir PHILIP CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Would it not be competent for this committee to inquire into the existing administration of all the duties which belong to the coast-watching service, and, as part of that inquiry, to compare the present organisation and discharge of those duties with the system which existed previously?

Mr. GRAHAM

At this stage, I should not think that the committee would roam over the duties of other services. It will certainly concentrate on the coast-watching duties of the coastguard service, but I do not imagine that it will exclude any inquiry into an adjacent field which will throw any light upon its particular task.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that the terms of reference will enable the committee to do all that is necessary in the matter, even if it does touch the fringe of some other department?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have not a moment's doubt about that matter.