Minister visits new coastguard base during cuts debate
Shipping minister Stephen Hammond has been meeting coastguard officers in Hampshire as the debate continues over the proposed closure of some bases.
Among the plans is a decision to close Portland's helicopter base in Dorset by 2018.
The government says fewer bases would reduce cost and provide a more reliable service.
But campaigners argue the decision has been based on inaccurate figures.
As he visited the new south coast base in Fareham, Mr Hammond said the government was committed to its plans.
09 Jan 2013
- From the section England