I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what provision he proposes to make to insure the maintenance of the old standard and the old numbers of life-saving apparatus along the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland which have been depleted by reason of the reduction of coastguard stations and coastguardsmen.

The number of life-saving stations will not be affected by any reduction in the number of coastguard stations and coastguardsmen.

Has any provision been made for maintaining the standard at the places where coastguard stations have been closed?

Notice has been given to the Board of Trade, which is the Department concerned.