Coastguard debate ‘pulled’ says Mather

Jim Mather, (MSP Argyll & Bute) has expressed dismay at the news that the House of Commons Backbench Business Committee has postponed a key debate on the future of UK Coastguard services that was due to be held on Thursday afternoon. The topic will not now be debated until March 24th which is the last day scheduled for the consultation process that proposes a radical and damaging reduction in the Coastguard service particularly in Scotland where it is proposed that only one full time station will be retained (at Aberdeen) with a part time, daylight presence at either Shetland or Stornoway.
Jim Mather said: “I share the concerns already very forcibly expressed by my colleague Angus MacNeil, MP, the SNP Transport spokesman at Westminster on this.
The Committee members-none of whom represent coastal constituencies - have postponed this crucial debate until the last day of the consultation process on Coastguard services when clearly such an opportunity to inform and guide such a vital decision for our coastal communities is essential. The utter disregard exhibited here by ditching this at less than 48 hours notice beggars belief and has to be questioned. If the Department of Transport were to extend the consultation period to allow the subject to be properly aired this could save the situation but the disdain already shown in this matter does not suggest that such a pragmatic solution is likely to be seriously considered.
My Westminster contacts advise me that it is unprecedented for a debate to be erased from the order paper in such a way at such short notice.
There seems to be little or no perception down there of  how essential Coastguard services are to our  fishing, ferry, marine transport and to recreational sailing on our complex and extensive coastline and home waters and how important that a network of informed staff with local knowledge is available when required.