COASTGUARD STATION CLOSURES

Early day motion 466, tabled 17 November 1997 by Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House condemns the announcement by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions that there is to be a further reduction in the number of coastguard stations around the United Kingdom's shores, including the closure of the Pentland and Oban stations; believes that such a decision is wrong and shortsighted inasmuch as it will lead to the withdrawal of skilled coastguard offices with local knowledge and experience from coastal areas noted for exceptional tidal conditions; and calls on the Coastguard Agency and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to reconsider this decision in the interests of public safety and the safety of hundreds of miles of environmentally sensitive coastline.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 18, Scottish National Party 4, Labour 2, Conservative 1, UUP 1.