§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure British manufacturers are ready to take advantage of the global marine distress service.
§ Mr. ForthBritish manufacturers are aware of the requirements of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) and the opportunities that it offers through their representation on a number of national and international committees.
Much of the radio equipment which will be needed to operate the GMDSS is already required to be fitted to merchant shipping under an international agreement known as the safety of life at sea convention (SOLAS). Already British industry plays an important role in supplying this equipment to the international shipping community.
For certain types of equipment there are still some technical and operational details to be finalised and international discussions are continuing on these outstanding topics. British manufacturers are fully 16W involved in decision-making, through the appropriate committees such as the maritime radio technical committee.