asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions have taken place between the coastguard section of the marine division of his Department and officials of staff associations and trade unions representing coastguards concerning the implementation of proposals to reorganise the coastguard service; what further discussions are envisaged; whether any reorganisation schemes have already been undertaken; and if he will make a statement.

Two meetings of the Departmental Whitley Council specifically to discuss coastguard reorganisation have taken place. The Staff Side has recently been given details of the proposals and has been invited to a further meeting to discuss them. The deployment of Her Majesty's Coastguard is adjusted from time to time to meet operational needs, but no major reorganization will be introduced in advance of the meeting.