§ 5. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on his future plans for the radio distress frequencies at sea.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Clinton Davis)On 1st January 1976 VHF Channel 16, which is the present maritime "calling and safety" frequency, will be internationally designated as the "distress, safety and calling" frequency. No changes are involved in the respective responsibilities of Her Majesty's Coastguard and the Post Office coast radio stations for search and rescue communications, but modifications in procedural instructions are being discussed with the Post Office.
§ Mr. AitkenDoes the Minister agree that the effect of the plans he has just described is that from 1st January there will be three distress frequencies operated by two separate organisations? Is he aware that anxieties have been expressed by the two main professional groups responsible for safety at sea about the possible risks and confusions arising from that division? As the professionals who operate the services seem to be worried, will he please consider looking very carefully at the whole matter again?
§ Mr. DavisWe have looked very carefully at the whole situation. The hon. Gentleman is quite right. There will be three frequencies operating, but the new VHF Channel 16 frequency, which is to be regarded, I think, as complementary to the other two, will be of considerable assistance in co-ordinating certain rescue work, particularly in inshore incidents. I am aware that some anxieties have been expressed, though I do not accept that they are as widespread as the hon. Gentleman suggested. I think that they are misplaced.