§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to expand the Coastguard Service, in view of the increase in the number of rescue operations needed and the increase in lives lost between the third quarters of 1972 and 1973, with particular reference to the South and the South-West.
§ Mr. OnslowTo handle the progressive increase in incidents there have been changes in the operational organisation of Her Majesty's Coastguard and improvements in communications, transport and rescue equipment. A Coastguard School has been set up at Brixham and emphasis244W is being placed on casualty prevention work. In addition, some staff increases have taken place, both nationally and in the South and South-West, more are planned, and the position is being carefully reviewed.