§ 40. Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for improving harbour facilities for the Coastguard Service on the Atlantic coast of Devon and Cornwall.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettHer Majesty's Coastguard does not operate any craft and the question of improving harbour facilities for the Coastguard Service does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. ThorpeDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that there is a great shortage of harbour facilities on the west coast? Notwithstanding the fact that the Royal National Life-boat Institution apparently has some diffidence in having its views made public, do not the Government think that they have a responsibility to look into this matter in the interests of safety on the whole Atlantic coast?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThis is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend would normally wish to take the initiative or to interfere in the Institution's business. We are quite satisfied that the Institution is managed in the most efficient manner.