§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions his Department has had with the Lighthouse Board over the possible closure of the Stromness Lighthouse Depot; and if he will make a statement. [75722]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Department discussed strategies for support depots with the lighthouse authorities in July. The future of the Stromness depot was among the issues covered at my Department's annual bilateral meeting with the Northern Lighthouse Board on 18 October. The NLB is consulting widely on the possible closure of the depot, and the Commissioners are expected to consider their conclusions in December.
§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Department will publish the advice it gave the lighthouse authorities regarding maintenance of their depots. [75721]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Department has discussed the overall requirements for aids to navigation support facilities with the lighthouse authorities. The Department has not given the authorities any specific advice on depot maintenance.
§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date(a) his Department and (b) the Marine Coastguard Agency were first contacted over the proposed closure of the Stromness Lighthouse Depot. [75723]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Northern Lighthouse Board informed my Department in July of its intention to review the future of the Stromness depot. I understand from the Board that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was included in its Consultation Exercise that began on 30 August.