Shipping Safety (Radio Signalling)

HC Deb 02 December 1974 vol 882 cc378-9W

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what investigations he has carried out into the advisability of prescribing radio buoys and/or emergency locator transmitters which automatically float off sinking ships and emit distress signals.

Mr. Clinton Davis

As I informed the House on 18th November—[Vol. 881, c. 889–90.]—I am at present examining the need to prescribe EPIRBs. This matter is being extensively studied in my Department and by our ships' wireless working party, a standing committee to advise on marine radio matters which has a wide representation of marine interests. It has also been considered by a special study group set up to look into techniques that might help in the cases of sudden disasters at sea.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether radio location signals can be received by all search ships; and, if not, if he will take steps to remedy the situation.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Signals on 2182 kHz, the international radiotelephone distress frequency, can be received by RNLI offshore lifeboats. Merchant ships, both British and foreign, which may be called upon to assist in search and rescue, as well as naval vessels, can receive these signals, and new radio rules for fishing vessels will require the frequency to be

(Thousand tone)
	EEC	Other countries
	1973 January-October	1974 January-October	Percentage change	1973 January-October	1974 January-October	Percentage change
Cereals (SITC(R) Division 04)	2,692	3,848	+43	4,027	2,711	-33
Dairy Products (SITC(R) Division 02)	283	406	+43	188	117	-38
Fuel (SITC(R) Divisions 32, 33 and 34)	16,242	14,410	-11	100,416	97,661	-3
Iron and Steel (SITC(R) Division 67)	1,181	2,627	+122	1,387	1,592	+15

Note: Quantity figures were not available for many chemical imports in 1973. Figures of chemical imports (SITC(R) Section 5) from the EEC by value in current prices were £368 million in January-October 1973 and £772 million in the same period of 1974. The figures for "Other Countries" were £359 million and £570 million respectively.