§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister for Trade if he is satisfied that the contingency arrangements for dealing with shipping emergencies are sufficiently tested in exercises to ensure that all those who would be involved are familiar with the procedures and equipment and are aware of the various problems which can arise.
§ Mr. SproatRegular exercises to test procedures, communications and equipment are held by my Department, both by the Coastguard and by the marine pollution control unit. Some are conducted jointly to test both search and rescue and counter pollution arrangements, since responses to both emergency aspects might be required in the same incident. Many exercises also involve the local authorities to test arrangements for casualty reception, when necessary, and the clearance of pollution from beaches.
As an example, on 5 May the Anglo-French plan for dealing with shipping emergencies in the Channel — MANCHEPLAN—will be exercised live in a simulated collision involving an oil tanker in the middle of the Channel. Her Majesty's Coastguard will conduct, initially, a paper search and rescue operation. Action will then move to the French side of the sea area. Co-operation between the two countries will be tested in the exercise — code name MANCHEX 83 — which will involve deploying the marine pollution control unit's dispersant spraying aircraft from a French base and the use of the French Government's emergency cargo transfer equipment. Emphasis on this occasion is the live testing of counter-pollution arrangements.