§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he is satisfied with the relationship between Her Majesty's Coastguard and its auxiliaries in the south-west of the United Kingdom; and if the assistance of the police has been required to prevent access of auxiliary personnel to the St. Ives station;
(2) what is the future of the St. Ives coastguard lookout station;
(3) if Her Majesty's Coastguard auxiliaries have the authority to call out lifeboat crews without the agreement of Her Majesty's Coastguard regional headquarters; and what are the procedures to be followed when a vessel is seen to be in distress and requiring a lifeboat.
§ Mr. RidleyI shall answer these questions shortly.