To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the locations of the permanently manned coast stations planned for 2001 which will have responsibility for marine and coastal safety in the Irish Sea; [16977](2). if he will make a statement on the provision of coastguard services for the North West of England following the proposed closure of the Liverpool Centre in 2000. [16973]

The Coastguard Agency plans that in the year 2001, the following permanently manned coastguard stations will have responsibility for marine and coastal safety in the Irish Sea:

• Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Belfast
• MRSC Holyhead
• MRSC Milford Haven

Following the closure of Liverpool in 2000, the level of provision of coastguard services in the North West will be unaffected. Radio sites will remain at Calbeck, Walney Island, Blackpool, Liverpool and Heswall and will be controlled by MRSC Holyhead. An additional Sector Manager will be located at Liverpool.