§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has any proposals to require higher standards of radio equipment in fishing vessels so that the number of occasions when a fishing vessel is believed missing because of a breakdown in communications is reduced and the strain on rescue services minimised.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe new radio rules for fishing vessels (SI 1974 No. 1919) which came into operation on 1st January 1975 will require a considerably higher standard of radio installation in fishing vessels, including a new provision for reserve equipment to be carried by fishing vessels of 24.4 metres and over in length. Transitional periods are allowed under the rules for the installation of new equipment but it is hoped that implementation of the rules will result in a reduction of breakdowns in fishing vessel communications.