§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, in the light of the current levels of overtime payments being made in the coastguard service, he will review his decision to reduce the operational complement of the service by 28.
§ Mr. PortilloThe amount of overtime worked by Her Majesty's coastguard over recent years has declined to a stable level. The reduction in the overall watchkeeping complement is commensurate with the merging of the area responsibilities of coastguard stations, and it is not anticipated that the total level of overtime payments will be unduly affected.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that employees of the coastguard service are not required to monitor and work with visual display units for excessively prolonged periods; and what is the maximum continuous period of work with display units allowed.
§ Mr. PortilloWatchkeeping coastguards work 12-hour shifts, including a one and a half hour meal break, which may be taken in one or more parts. Whilst the use of visual display units has increased, it is unusual for any individual286W to spend more than 5–10 per cent. of the watch using one. This percentage may be exceeded during busy periods. Although there is no laid down maximum continuous period of work, there are regular breaks, and duties within the watch are varied.