§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what storm warnings, distress warnings, urgency messages or other broadcasts on satellite communication in the Indian INMARSAT coverage area were received before, during and after Typhoon Gay in the Gulf of Thailand; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe promulgation of storm warnings is by coast radio stations. INMARSAT satellities are at present not used for such broadcasts. If INMARSAT was used for distress and urgency messages, they would not have been monitored by the United Kingdom Rescue Co-ordinating Centre.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies are being undertaken into the incidence of satellite communication failure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe question of communication failure is an operational matter for INMARSAT.