§ Mr. PHILIPSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in many places on the coast it is proposed to abolish the coastguards and to substitute for them the Coast Preventive Corps, in the proportion, in some cases, of two men of this corps to six of the present coastguards; and, in view of the technical and dangerous duties now undertaken in the interests of human life and shipping by ex-service coastguards, and the small amount which would actually be saved to the country, he can reconsider this matter?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have been asked to answer this question. The Government propose to adopt in substance the recommendations made in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Civil Duties of the Coast Guard*, the general effect of which is to reduce the numbers previously employed. Under the new system, in addition to about 350 men retained by the Admiralty for wireless and signalling duties and about 350 employed by the Customs on revenue protection work, there will be a force of about 950 employed by the Board of Trade on life-saving, coast watching and miscellaneous work. The interests of safety and of shipping have been very fully considered, and, it is believed, will be adequately provided for under this scheme.
* Cmd. 1753 of 1922.