HC Deb 13 July 1994 vol 246 cc619-20W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his budget for volunteer auxiliary coastguards in each of the last 10 years as a percentage of the budget for officer posts; and on how many occasions and in what circumstances auxiliary coastguards have been used in excess of 16 hours per week.

Mr. Norris

The budget for volunteer auxiliary coastguards for each year as a percentage of the budget for officer posts, including a small number of administrative staff was: 1990–91, 16.7 per cent.; 1991–92, 18.3 per cent.; 1992–93, 16.8 per cent.; 1993–94, 15.7 per cent.; 1994–95, 13.7 per cent. The figures for the years 1984 to 1989 are not now available as a different accounting system was then used.

Details of how many occasions in the last 10 years and in what circumstances auxiliary coastguards have been used in excess of 16 hours per week could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the details of(a) insurance liability and (b) responsibility for health and safety matters in respect of auxiliary coastguards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

Auxiliary coastguards are volunteers. They have a call on the principal civil service pension scheme in the event of injury while on duty, limited to impairment of earning capacity. In all other insurance matters they receive the same cover as regular staff while on duty.

Auxiliary coastguards are covered by the same health and safety arrangements as apply to regular staff.