§ 12. Commander SOUTHBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to give any information as to the details of the proposed Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the whole question of the Coastguard Service?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMAs already announced in the Press, I have appointed a Committee to inquire into the efficiency and adequacy of the present organisa- 11 tion for carrying out the coast-watching duties of the Coastguard Service, and to report what modifications, if any, in the organisation are, in their opinion, desirable. Admiral Sir George P. W. Hope, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., will act as Chairman of the Committee, the other members of which are Mr. R. F. Bell, Sir Osborn G. Holmden, K.B.E. and Mr. James Milne, C. S. I.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNWill it be within the competence of the committee to consider, among other things, the wages and conditions of service in the Coastguard Service?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOff-hand, I should say not, as the inquiry is rather directed to the organisation of the Coastguard Service; but perhaps my hon. Friend will not take this as a final reply.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIf I put down a question in a week's time, will the right hon. Gentleman state the exact scope of the terms of reference to the committee? Will it, for example, inquire into the question of smuggling?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIt is difficult to reply now, but I could make inquiry and indicate to the hon. and gallant Member exactly what is covered by the terms of reference. He will observe that the reply relates to the organisation of the Coastguard Service. Everything within that would, I presume, be in order.