HC Deb 04 March 1964 vol 690 cc232-4W
64. Commander Pursey

asked the Postmaster-General what types of very high frequency and medium frequency radio-telephone equipment and radius of action are approved by his Department for fitting in the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson", respectively, for communication with ships at sea and Hull commercial docks, respectively; what equipment has been approved by his Department; what further equipment is required to complete the Humber Port Information Service, recommended by the Rochdale Report in September, 1962; and whether approval will be given by his Department.

Mr. Bevans

Any very high frequency or medium frequency radio-telephone equipment which meets the appropriate Performance Specification, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, can be installed in the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" for communication with ships at sea. The "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" have been fitted with Redifon GR 286 MKII VHF equipment. The "Frank Atkinson" has also been fitted with Redifon GR 330 MF radio-telephone equipment. The radius of action of the VHF equipment is approximately 25–30 miles and of the MF equipment approximately 150 miles.

The VHF equipment would be suitable for communication with Hull commercial docks, where I have just been asked by the British Transport Docks Board to approve the establishment of a Port Information Service. The use of MF equipment for communication with Hull commercial docks would not be approved.

I have approved the Humber Conservancy Board's comprehensive plans for the Humber Port Information Service. As an interim measure certain VHF equipment is already being used to provide intercommunication by radio-telephone between the Board's office, vessels on the Humber, including the pilot cutters mentioned, and ships at sea. It is for the Board to determine whether any further equipment is required to complete the planned service, and when the full service will be introduced. Approval will be given to the use of any such equipment, provided it meets the appropriate Performance Specification.

Commander Pursey

asked the Postmaster-General what types of very high frequency and medium frequency radiotelephone equipment and radius of action are approved by his Department for fitting in Hull commercial docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson"; what equipment has been approved by his Department; what further equipment is required to complete the Hull Port Information Service, recommended by the Rochdale Report in September 1962; and whether approval will be given by his Department.

Mr. Bevins

Any very high frequency radiotelephone equipment which meets the Performance Specification, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, would be approved for use in Hull commercial docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson". The radius of action of such equipment will have to be approved by my Department in the light of the communication requirements when these are known. I have not yet been asked by the British Transport Docks Board to approve any particular type of VHF equipment for use in Hull commercial docks. The use of medium frequency radiotelephone equipment in the docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters would not be approved.

I do not know whether any equipment has already been acquired by the British Transport Docks Board and it is for the Board to say what equipment would be required. The British Transport Docks Board's proposals for the Hull Port Information Services have just been received and are being examined. Approval will be given to the use of any equipment which meets the Performance Specification.