HC Deb 13 March 1989 vol 149 c120W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what official record has been kept of technical difficulties with interference and breakthrough at Swansea MRC since the transfer of additional aerials following the closure of Hartland MRSC; and if he will publish this information.

Mr. Portillo

All instances of breakthrough were logged by the staff at Swansea, and reported to the coastguard maintenance authority for rectification. The interference was unrelated to the closure of Hartland Point MRSC and has been successfully eliminated.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what problems have been experienced with interference and breakthrough at Swansea MRC since the transfer of additional aerials following the closure of Hartland MRSC; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

Interaction between two VHF frequencies was experienced which was unrelated to the transfer of control of aerials following the closure of Hartland Point MRSC.

The problem has been traced to a change of frequency used by the police, and the Home Office has dealt with it by modifying the coastguard radio sites affected.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the impact on coastguard operations of technical difficulties being experienced at Swansea MRC following the closure of Hartland MRSC.

Mr. Portillo

There is no evidence of any operational impact due to technical difficulties at Swansea.