HC Deb 27 October 1966 vol 734 cc1274-5
5. Mr. Thorpe

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the coastguard station and cottages at Ilfracombe, North Devon, are without electricity, that the station cannot therefore make direct radio contact with the lifeboat at sea, and that radio messages have to be transmitted to Hartland Point some 20 miles distant and then telephoned back; and whether, in the interests of safety, he will authorise the installation of mains electricity at this station.

Mr. Mason

The present arrangements do not prejudice safety. It is common practice for communications with lifeboats to be routed through the coastguard district headquarters. It would be for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works to authorise the installation of mains electricity.

Mr. Thorpe

Since the coastguard station is under the responsibility of the Board of Trade, would not the Minister agree that it would never be his wish to pass the buck? Is it not ludicrous that a coastguard station is still lit by gas, that no radio message can be received and that it has to be beamed 20 miles away to Hartland or Mullacott Cross? In the interests of saving life, surely it is not too much to ask that the station should be lit by electricity and should have a radio set to receive messages from sea.

Mr. Mason

As to the safety at sea problem, the present arrangements are satisfactory and, so far, no difficulties have arisen. As to electrifying the three cottages concerned, an estimate has been given that the cost would be £6,900. I understand, however, that the electricity authority in the region concerned is aware of this and that it will be involved in the authority's plans for the future.