§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the position of auxiliary coastguards at Hartland, Ramsey and Peterhead if the proposed closures are implemented and of the compensation that will be provided to individuals.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Isle of Man Government have agreed to take on the responsibility for the auxiliaries on the island. At Hartland those auxiliaries on the watchkeeping panel, who are able and wish to do so, have been offered the opportunity to continue their membership of the coastguard auxiliary service, albeit in a different capacity. At Peterhead, the same offer will be made in due course. As auxiliaries are not employees, the question of compensation does not arise. The organisation and deployment of all the auxiliaries who form the coast rescue companies remains unchanged.