§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied with the progress which has been achieved with the introduction of VHF radio facilities in the coastguard service; what further proposals he has in mind for extending the service; and whether he will consider proposing making it obligatory for all yachts and powerboats above a certain size to carry VHF R/T equipment when at sea.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisVery good progress has been made with the introduction of VHF radio facilities in Her Majesty's Coastguard. Already there is full VHF radio communication between the Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats and SAR helicopters. The Coastguard maintains a continuous watch on the international VHF calling and safety frequency of Channel 16 to give almost complete coverage round the coasts of this country, and proposals are in hand to fill the few gaps remaining.
I do not consider it necessary at present to require yachts or power boats to fit VHF radio equipment, but I would encourage the carriage of small radios on 2182 kHz for distress purposes.