Written Question · S4W-16567 · Session 4
What (a) discussions, (b) meetings and (c) correspondence it has had with the UK Government since April 2012 regarding (i) the Aberdeen Coa…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions, (b) meetings and (c) correspondence it has had with the UK Government since April 2012 regarding (i) the Aberdeen Coastguard and (ii) coastguard management in Scotland, what matters were considered and who participated.
The answer
Since April 2012, Scottish Ministers have written to the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport three times, and once to the Chair of the UK Parliament Transport Committee regarding the UK Government’s modernisation of the Coastguard. Scottish Ministers received two responses from the then UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning and two from his successor Stephen Hammond.
I also met Stephen Hammond in London on 1 November 2012 to discuss the Coastguard modernisation plans.
Throughout this correspondence the Scottish Government has reiterated our belief that the UK Government was wrong to close Clyde and Forth and downgrade Aberdeen coastguard station. We pressed the UK Government to reverse the decision, and requested details of any staff shortages at Aberdeen following the increase in coastline responsibilities and reduction in staffing levels at the station.
I also met Stephen Hammond in London on 1 November 2012 to discuss the Coastguard modernisation plans.
Throughout this correspondence the Scottish Government has reiterated our belief that the UK Government was wrong to close Clyde and Forth and downgrade Aberdeen coastguard station. We pressed the UK Government to reverse the decision, and requested details of any staff shortages at Aberdeen following the increase in coastline responsibilities and reduction in staffing levels at the station.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-16567 by reference.