§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will set out the policy reasons for BT to provide distress watch arrangements on 2182 kHz but not channel 16;
(2) if he will set out the policy reasons for coastguard stations to maintain a continuous listening watch on channel 16 but not on 2182 kHz.
§ Mr. NorrisHer Majesty's Coastguard keeps watch on VHF channel 16 because not only is it the designated VHF distress channel, it is also the normal calling channel for VHF traffic. It is essential for the Coastguard to monitor and use this channel for them to carry out their functions of maintaining an effective search and rescue organisation. It would make no sense for the distress watch on channel 16 to be separated from Her Majesty's Coastguard's other functions. VHF is used by most fishing and pleasure craft in United Kingdom waters, few of which have MF transmitters. Most radio distress calls requiring immediate response by the Coastguard are made on channel 16. Since 1978 Her Majesty's Coastguard has put in place 120 remote radio sites linked to its 21 rescue centres which are manned 24 hours a day. This is a more comprehensive VHF cover than is now provided by BT.
The distress watch on 500 kHz and 2182 kHz has continued with BT because it has the necessary sites, equipment and, for morse on 500 kHz, trained operators; it would not be worthwhile duplicating these for Her Majesty's Coastguard, especially given the international plan to end the use of 500 kHz as a distress frequency by 1999.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies he has made of the contribution VHF direct calling could make to a cost reduction in the BT distress watch contract.
§ Mr. NorrisNo such specific studies have been made. Use of VHF digital selective calling (VHF/DSC) would considerably increase the costs of distress watch since much new equipment would be required both at sea and ashore. The cost of this equipment would not be justified by gains in effectiveness.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the sources of his advice for the review on cost savings on the BT distress watch contract.
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§ Mr. NorrisThe review into the cost of the provision of the BT distress watch service is an internal one to be undertaken by the Department's marine emergency organisation, of which HM Coastguard forms an integral part.