PLANS to close Lee-on-Solent coastguard rescue centre have been subject to a surprise review by a Hampshire maritime lawyer.

John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, has asked Lord Donaldson of Lymington to look with a "fresh pair of eyes'' at the chief coastguard's five-year strategy for the service.

Central to this strategy are proposals to close current rescue stations in Lee-on-Solent and Portland, Dorset, and move their officers to unspecified shared premises by autumn 2003.

Rescue centres in Liverpool, Tyne Tees, Oban and Pentland would also be shut as part of a plan to invest in digital radio systems for remaining coastguard centres.

Earlier this year the House of Commons transport sub-committee, which conducted an inquiry into the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, recommended the plan be scrapped and all 21 rescue centres retained.

An official at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions said: "We didn't make an announcement as such. Lord Donaldson was appointed by John Prescott some weeks ago as a fresh pair of eyes to look at the whole coastguard five-year strategy just to make sure nothing had been over-looked.

"He is still doing that. We will incorporate his advice, whatever it is, in our response to the transport select committee.''

He made no reference to Glenda Jackson, the minister for shipping, who backed the five year strategy when it was unveiled by chief coastguard John Astbury in November 1997 and faced criticism over her handling of a consultation process which followed.

Peter Viggers, MP for Gosport, said: "I find it quite extraordinary that the government should seek to run for cover in this way.

"I think it has been under pressure on this controversial issue but I find it most peculiar that a leading lawyer should be called in to review a government strategy which has already been announced.''

He added: "I cannot recall a parallel for this.''

The MP said he would write to Lord Donaldson saying that since Portland coastguards were based in a listed building not suitable for retention, its officers should transfer to Lee-on-Solent at the former HMS Daedalus site.

Lord Donaldson, a former Master of the Rolls, is an eminent maritime lawyer whose inquiry into the sinking of the Braer off Shetland in 1992 led to profound changes in policy on marine pollution.

He is a keen sailor and member of Royal Lymington Yacht Club and will know the Solent well.

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