HC Deb 21 April 1994 vol 241 cc657-8W
Ms Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the percentage of Inmarsat C distress calls received by the United Kingdom Marine regional control centre are false alarms; and what inquiries he has made as a response.

Mr. Norris

No representations have been received on false Inmarsat-C distress calls.

Ms Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to monitor the effectiveness of the global maritime distress and safety system.

Mr. Norris

The United Kingdom monitors the effectiveness of the global maritime distress and safety system by maintaining a record of distress calls received by our search and rescue authorities and their response. One outcome of this has been the identification of an unacceptable level of false alerts. This has been brought to the attention of the International Maritime Organisation.

Ms Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with unions and owners on the effectiveness of the global maritime distress and safety system.

Mr. Norris

The introduction of the global maritime distress and safety system was thoroughly discussed with representative bodies of the ship owners and seafarers at all stages of its development. The implementation of the requirements and their effectiveness is discussed at the Maritime Radio Advisory Committee where these organisations are fully represented.