§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government: What will be the efficiency gains in the Coastguard Agency.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)The Chief Executive of the Coastguard Agency has put forward a series of efficiency measures in response to the challenging target set by the Department of Transport. We have accepted his proposals, which will lead to efficiency savings of nearly £1.5 million being achieved over the next two years. The measures will include rationalising the administrative services of the agency's Southampton headquarters and introducing more flexible manning arrangements at rescue centres. They will not involve the closure of any rescue centres; the agency's coastal response capability will be maintained. These measures are consistent with those set out in the agency's current business and corporate plans. They will lead to greater value for money from the Coastguard Agency without compromising safety as sea and along the shoreline.