§ 20. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Postmaster-General whether licences are issued by him for walkie-talkie sets used for private recreational purposes provided they are operated in the right frequency bands and meet minimum standards of performance.
§ Mr. Edward ShortYes, Sir. I do issue licences in such circumstances for activities like sailing and climbing, where radio-communication can help to save lives.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Gentleman say that this includes individual recreational activities as well as communal recreational activities?
§ Mr. ShortBroadly speaking, we issue licences to three categories of people: first of all the radio amateurs, who have to pass a test, and secondly business users, taxi proprietors and so on. The definition of "business" has now been extended very liberally to include Outward Bound Schools, walking clubs, mountain rescue teams, and so forth. If an individual could make out a case on these grounds, we would be willing to consider it.