§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the coastguard stations which are currently only on day watch; and what plans he has to restrict other coastguard stations to day watch operations over the next five years. [9761]
§ Mr. BowisNo coastguard stations are currently on day watch only. There are no plans to restrict coastguard stations to day watch operations over the next five years.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which coastguard stations he is planning to downgrade; [9763]
(2) if he will place a copy of the Coastguard agency five-year plan in the Library. [9762]
§ Mr. BowisThere is no five-year plan for the Coastguard agency. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked the agency's chief executive to develop a strategy for using the benefits of new communications technology to meet the expected requirements for distress monitoring and search and rescue co-ordination by Her Majesty's Coastguard into the 21st century. No strategy has yet been submitted. Coastguard staff will be consulted before any decisions are taken. In the meantime, we have no plans to downgrade any coastguard stations.