§ 34. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what provision is made by his Department for the protection and salvage of shipping and seamen in danger at sea round the coasts of Scotland; who carries out these duties on shore and at sea; and what are the wages, allowances, pensions and conditions of service of the persons who do this work.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs the Answer is rather long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the Minister for that uninformative Answer, may I ask him whether it is not time that these services were taken over by his Ministry instead of being left to public charity and flag days? Will he take steps to that end?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI should hesitate to interfere with a voluntary service which 382 contains some of the bravest men in the country and which is providing a very adequate service.
Following is the Answer:The preservation of shipping and the lives of seamen around the coasts of the United Kingdom is the principal duty of Her Majesty's Coastguard, supported by the voluntary Coast Life-Saving Corps. In this task the Coastguard enjoy the full co-operation of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and of the coast radio stations of the General Post Office. They are also able to count on the voluntary assistance of units of the U.S. Air Force is this country. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution provide and man the lifeboats as a voluntary service and work in close co-operation with the Coastguard. I shall be giving the hon. and learned Member details of the pay and conditions of service of the Coastguard in reply to a Question he has put down for answer next week.