HC Deb 16 November 1979 vol 973 cc843-4W
Mr. Alan Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many regular coastguard officers have resigned from the service while serving at Rame Head in the last two months.

Mr. Tebbit

Two regular coastguard officers serving at Rame Head resigned at the beginning of November.

Mr. Alan Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the level of manning of Rame Head coastguard station during the night of the force 8 gale on Sunday 21 October.

Mr. Tebbit

On the night of 21–22 October, Rame Head coastguard station was manned by an auxiliary coastguard until 0115 hours and by a regular coastguard from 0700 hours. I regret that on this occasion a continuous watch was not maintained.

Mr. Alan Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Trade, whether the original radio equipment at Rame Head coastguard station that was used for monitoring channel 16 has been removed; and what information he has concerning the present operational efficiency of the new aerial and radio installation.

Mr. Tebbit

One of the two original VHF radio equipments at Rame Head coastguard station has been removed. The new aerial and radio installation currently under trial is expected to be brought into permanent operation later this month.

Mr. Alan Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will call for a report as to why the Mayday call transmitted from the distressed vessel "Xanadu" on 9 August was not picked up either by Brixham coastguard or Rame Head coastguard who were at that time monitoring channel 16 through their new aerial and radio equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tebbit

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

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