§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure British manufacturers are licensed to provide digital Selcall radios to the United Kingdom marine market. [2571]
§ Mr. BowisI have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from R.M. Bradley to Mr. Barry Field, dated 11 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure British manufacturers are licensed to provide Digital Selcall radios to the United Kingdom marine market.There have been no discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry relating to the licensing of manufacturers of Digital Selcall radios—normally known as digital selective calling equipment. Discussions are ongoing with the Department through the Maritime Radio Technical Committee to develop suitable performance standards for digital selective calling equipment for the United Kingdom marine market. Manufacturers may obtain type approval from the Department of Trade and Industry for digital selective calling equipment designed to the relevant performance standards, approval being granted after consultation with the Marine Safety Agency.