§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will bring forward pro posals to ensure that all ships compulsorily fitted with radio should keep watch on VHF channel 16 whilst within 60 miles of the coast.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThere is at present no international requirement for merchant ships to carry VHF radio equipment though most do so. While we have no power to impose a listening watch on VHF channel 16 upon all ships on the high seas, special arrangements for the English Channel are under consideration 529W by the Anglo-French safety of navigation group. Moreover coastguard rescue headquarters and some coast radio stations keep a listening watch on channel 16.