§ Mr. Barry Field (Isle of Wight)To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made any recent review of the role or functions of Her Majesty's coastguard.
§ Mr. McLoughlinAn internal review of the coastguard sector organisation and Auxiliary service has been carried out by the chief coastguard. The review has considered Her Majesty's coastguard's coastal commitments and has made recommendations covering
the definition of HM Coastguard's responsibilities;performance targets;the sector organisation and the sector officers' role;the availability and pay of auxiliary Coastguards;Coastguard vehicles and equipment requirements, training and property management.Government Departments and any interested bodies are currently being consulted and coastguard regional controllers will now be holding discussions with local interests and staff about the implications of these recommendations in each region. No decisions will be taken on the review's recommendations until the implications have been fully assessed. I am placing a copy of a summary of the review and its recommendations in the Library.