§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the time taken by his Department's Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen in Cardiff to allocate ship call signs, and. in view of the fact that this is the major reason for the delay in issuing ships' wireless licences, if he will take action to remedy this.
§ Mr. David MitchellI understand that representations have been made to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry. Seasonal peaking of applications has caused some delay in allocating ship call signs and issuing radio licences, but the backlog has now been cleared. I shall consider with my hon. Friend what can be done to improve the system.