§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in the light of the report of the Commissioner of Wrecks on the loss of the Hull trawler "Gaul", he still favours crews using portable transmitters in the circumstances of a disaster ; or whether he will recommend the use of a radio buoy which automatically floats off a sinking ship and emits a distress signal, otherwise known as an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
§ Mr. Clinton DavisFor most emergencies at sea a portable radio is a more effective means of obtaining assistance than an emergency position indicating radio beacon. However, as I informed the House on 18th November—[Vol. 881, cols. 889-90) I am at present examining the need to prescribe EPIRBs as an addition to the portable radios.