§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to replace auxiliary coastguards with watch assistants; [12193]
(2) what changes have taken place in the level of coastguard station officers over the last year; and if he will make a statement. [12192]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard agency to write to the hon. Member.
617WLetter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 30 January 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about Coastguard Station Officers and Auxiliaries.The Coastguard Agency intends to introduce a new permanent grade of Coastguard Watch Assistant. This new grade will replace the part time voluntary service currently provided in operations rooms by Auxiliary Coastguards and will enhance the reliability, training and expertise at this level. It is hoped that many of the present Auxiliaries will apply for the new post.There have been no changes to the number of Coastguard Station Officer posts over the last year.