§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many rescue vehicles belonging to Her Majesty's Coastguard have had their bonnets overpainted yellow and had the words 'HM Coastguard' written on them in the last 12 months; and at what cost; [36886]
(2) when he expects to receive a report from the Coastguard Agency on the response to the consultation document regarding the future strategy of Her Majesty's Coastguard; and if he will make a statement. [36887]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn the last 12 months (1 April 1997–31 March 1998), 169 HM Coastguard vehicles had their livery changed at a total cost of £45,000; an average cost of some £266 each. The new livery includes a change to yellow bonnets with reverse lettered "HM COASTGUARD" and yellow/blue chequered stripes on either side of the vehicles more appropriate to their emergency service status. In addition to this, the new livery much improves the visibility of the vehicles to other road users and, therefore, improves the safety of drivers when proceeding to an emergency. The change promotes a more corporate image and a higher profile for HM Coastguard.
I have received a report on the 5 year Strategy consultation and am currently considering it. A decision on the strategy will be announced in due course.