Coastguard Modernisation Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Coastguard Modernisation

Anne Main Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd November 2011

(13 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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It will not be the case that there will be little cover on the Clyde because that station is paired and the pairing will cover it no matter what. That happens today and has been the case for many years. There is no drawback at all to the front-line emergency services carrying out the rescues. Indeed, the exact opposite is the case—I am enhancing them, I am going to have more paid staff training them and there will be more safety and more cover. I am very aware that the lease on the station is running out, which is why I said in my statement that we will keep a strong footprint in the Clyde area—but it will not be at the existing station.

Anne Main Portrait Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con)
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I am pleased that the Minister anticipates the operations centre at Fareham coming on line quickly. Will he give some indication of when he anticipates that happening and how long the transitional period might be?

Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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We already have the keys to the operations centre in Fareham and we have been showing staff around. I have not formally signed a contract yet, but I hope to do so in the next few weeks.