HC Deb 04 March 1965 vol 707 cc275-6W
33. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he will take to ensure that fishing vessels contact their shore bases at regular intervals, in particular after severe storms; and what official consultations he has held with the industry.

Mr. Mason

Discussions with the fishing industry took place in 1955, and letters have been sent to the industry at intervals since then urging that skippers should report their positions more frequently to the nearest coast radio station. I have no powers to compel fishing vessels to communicate with shore bases, but I intend to make a further approach to the industry very soon.