THE Government must explain how the coastguard service will be able to maintain high standards with fewer resources as stations shut, according to a committee of MPs.

The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee said shutting the Clyde coastguard station at Greenock will result in a loss of local knowledge which will take years to re-build. MPs on the committee criticised the closure decision and said the UK Government has not been able to explain the rationale for closure.

Closing Greenock and passing responsibility for the west of Scotland to Belfast would have implications for safety, it is argued. The committee called on the decision to be reversed but if not wants reassurances over how Scotland will be served to the same standard. Members said they were concerned that despite an extensive consultation, those on the front line felt excluded from the process.

The report, published today, said there has been no satisfactory explanation for the decision to close the Clyde and Forth stations, which will leave the central belt of Scotland without a coastguard station. It stated: "It seems that for a time at least that there will be a major gap in local knowledge among coastguards in the remaining four centres.

It said the Government has "clearly failed" so far to make a convincing case for, or carry public opinion on, the proposed changes to HM Coastguard, and must do more to provide reassurance to seafarers who may need to contact the coastguard in an emergency.

Iain McKenzie, Inverclyde Labour MP, said: "The committee will request regular progress updates on the changes taking place surrounding the coastguard and will hold the Government accountable for any safety breaches caused by their decision."