§ Mr. Alan Clarkasked 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[pursuant to his reply, 16 November, c. 844]: I have received a report on this incident. The mayday from the "Xanadu" was transmitted only on channel 26 the working frequency of the Post Office coast radio station at Start Point. The coastguard does not keep watch on this channel.