§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take regarding the recommendations contained in the report of the loss of MFV Mhari L in relation to the Coastguard to be alerted rapidly when contact is lost with fishing vessels, fishing vessels being fitted with hydrostatic life rafts and the action recommended when fishing gear foul underwater cables.
§ Mr. Ridley[pursuant to his reply, 13 January 1986, c. 479]: The recommendations are being studied. At present Her Majesty's Coastguard takes every opportunity to stress the importance of the earliest possible warning that a vessel may be missing, and merchant shipping notices recommend that life rafts be fitted with hydrostatic release units and also advise on the dangers of fishing gear being fouled on the sea bed. My Department is, however, considering what further action can effectively be taken to prevent such tragic losses.