§ Mr. SHORTasked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion or number of the coastguard his Department is taking over from the Admiralty; whether such transfer will necessitate any reduction; and what will be the 726W estimated cost to his Department in salaries and general upkeep, including buildings?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe strength of the coastguard in June last was reckoned at 2,380. 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 cost of this force is estimated at £200,000 per annum plus £26,000 per annum for rents and upkeep, and an initial outlay of £15,100 on new works.