3 February 2011
Waveney MP Peter Aldous yesterday raised concerns about the reform of the Coastguard Service in a Westminster Hall Debate secured by Sarah Newton MP.
Mr Aldous drew attention to a range of concerns raised with him by Waveney constituents:
Whether the closures of the Yarmouth and Thames Maritime Stations have been fully considered as the seas off the East Anglian coast get busier due to the building of wind farms, dredging, renewed activity in the oil and gas sector, potential construction work at Sizewell and ship to ship transfers.
Whether any assessment has been made of the impact of losing local knowledge which in some circumstances can be the difference between life and death.
Mr Aldous also sought assurances from the Minister, Mike Penning MP, that the proposals are not just about cost cutting but about modernisation but will improve the support given to volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, and make better use of their local knowledge and training.
Commenting Mr Aldous said:
““We must never forget the debt of thanks and gratitude that we owe to the crew of lifeboats who risk their lives at all times of night and day often in the most appalling weather conditions. I was glad to be able to contribute to this debate to ensure that the views of those who have contacted me are heard in Parliament.”
| Hansard
Mr Aldous drew attention to a range of concerns raised with him by Waveney constituents:
Whether the closures of the Yarmouth and Thames Maritime Stations have been fully considered as the seas off the East Anglian coast get busier due to the building of wind farms, dredging, renewed activity in the oil and gas sector, potential construction work at Sizewell and ship to ship transfers.
Whether any assessment has been made of the impact of losing local knowledge which in some circumstances can be the difference between life and death.
Mr Aldous also sought assurances from the Minister, Mike Penning MP, that the proposals are not just about cost cutting but about modernisation but will improve the support given to volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, and make better use of their local knowledge and training.
Commenting Mr Aldous said:
““We must never forget the debt of thanks and gratitude that we owe to the crew of lifeboats who risk their lives at all times of night and day often in the most appalling weather conditions. I was glad to be able to contribute to this debate to ensure that the views of those who have contacted me are heard in Parliament.”
| Hansard
