§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the financial implications of the proposed coastguard review with regard to disposal of assets.
§ Mr. McLoughlinDue to the terms on which they are held, no significant income is expected from the disposal of property by Her Majesty's Coastguard as a result of this review. However, annual running cost savings of over £50,000 will be achieved once the programme of disposals is complete.
A capital investment of £864,000 will also be made over the same period in the improvement of existing facilities and the construction of new stations.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what liaison he had with the coastguard union leaders during the recent review of the coastguard service.
§ Mr. McLoughlinCoastguard union leaders were kept informed at all stages during the recent review of the sector and auxiliary coastguard organisation.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial savings are expected from the proposed cuts to the coastguard service in Scotland.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe recently completed review of Her Majesty's Coastguard's sector and auxiliary coastguard organisation was not a cost-cutting exercise, but was undertaken with the aim of ensuring that Her Majesty's Coastguard continues to provide the best possible service in an effective and efficient manner. The provisional financial savings, after full implementation of the sector review in Scotland are £268,000.