§ 66. Mr. ARNOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade how many trawlers are still unequipped with wireless apparatus; and if he will consider what immediate steps can be taken to ensure that all British trawlers operating in distant northern waters shall be so equipped?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe information asked for in the first part of the question is not available, as trawlers are not separately distinguished from, other fishing vessels in the official records. Under existing legislation the provision of wireless telegraph apparatus on cargo or fishing vessels of less than 1,600 tons gross is not compulsory, and the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea last year did not recommend the extension of compulsion to ships below that size.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of making it compulsory for one ship, either in a trawler or drifter fleet at sea, to carry wireless, in order to give necessary information in regard to storms to the rest of the ships?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI will make inquiries with regard to the possibility of the hon. Member's suggestion.