§ 56. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that during the recent gales wireless messages from ships in distress round British coasts were so numerous that they were jamming each other; and if. to ensure adequate protection to rescue operations for British ships, he will inquire into the causes of such jamming and methods of preventing it on similar occasions.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. During the period 12th to 14th November British Coast Radio Stations dealt with only four ships in distress. Frequencies for distress working are agreed internationally and are not used for ordinary traffic. No congestion in distress communication was experienced, and I see no reason for instituting a special inquiry.