To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure an adequate supply of batteries for radios on fishing vessels using 2182 kilocycles for marine distress frequencies, in the light of the requirements of the Safety at Sea Act.

When a major supplier withdrew from the market, the Department initiated the approval of an alternative supply of batteries for the portable radio equipment operating on 2182 KHz required to be carried on fishing vessels. In addition where owners are experiencing problems with the supply of batteries for such equipment, the Department is prepared to grant exemptions from the requirements for annual replacement in appropriate circumstances as a temporary measure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of British-registered fishing vessels using 2182 kilocycle marine dishes frequency radios; and if he will list in the Official Report those companies which manufacture batteries for such radios.

All United Kingdom fishing vessels of 17m in length and above (approximately 1,100) are required to carry portable radio equipment operating on 2182 KHz. Crompton Parkinson Ltd. manufacture the specialised batteries required for the available type-approved equipment.