§ Mr. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the capability of Her Majesty's Coastguard VHF radio facilities in support of marine search and rescue in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. David MitchellIn fulfilment of its responsibility for the co-ordination of search and rescue in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom, Her Majesty's Coastguard maintains a continuous watch on the international marine VHF calling and distress channel and the VHF search and rescue working channel. A combination of 25 maritime rescue centres controlling 61 remote radio sites now provides almost complete cover of the coastal sea areas of the United Kingdom, out to a distance offshore of at least 30 miles.
Associated with these communication facilities, Her Majesty's Coastguard is currently installing more VHF radio direction finding equipment which will very significantly assist in the location of vessels in distress.
606WThese modern VHF radio systems with their associated control and co-ordination facilities now ensure that the United Kingdom compares more than favourably with those in use by our neighbouring European countries.