§ 54. Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Transport what information he has obtained under the Pilotage Act, 1913, from the port authorities in Hull regarding whether the Humber pilot cutters are able to communicate direct with the shore, under a port information service, as recommended by the Rochdale Report in September, 1962. on what equipment has been installed in the pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson", respectively, and on the 231W further equipment required to complete the service; and what action he is taking, under the Pilotage Act, to ensure that the organisation at this port is uniform with that at other ports in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MarplesI have no power, under the Pilotage Act, 1913, or otherwise, to require harbour authorities or pilotage authorities to supply me with information or to give them directions about these matters.
I am informed, however, that the Humber Conservancy Board's pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" are both fitted with VHF radio-telephone equipment. The "Frank Atkinson" is fitted with MF equipment also, and the "William Fenton" will be so fitted very soon. Both vessels are able to communicate with the shore. The Humber Conservancy Board has drawn up plans for a Humber VHF Radiotelephone Port Information Service and has installed suitable radio equipment.