§ 7. Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reducing delays in dealing with applications for private mobile radio licences.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn recent weeks there has been a speeding up in the frequency assignment procedure, which is an essential part of the processing of applications for private mobile radio licences. Previously, a series of technical difficulties with the computer which performs frequency assignments had resulted in a backlog. Some applications remain to be cleared, but every effort is being made to deal with them as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. NewtonMay I tell the hon. Lady that we sympathise with her difficulties 660 over a computer? Since the tabling of the question before Christmas my constituent who was involved has told me, too, that there has been some improvement. May I ask the hon. Lady to do everything possible to ensure that pressure for the improvement is maintained?
§ Dr. SummerskillI thank the hon, Gentleman. I can assure him that everything is being done.
§ Mr. Robert HughesHow quickly does my hon. Friend now expect licences to be processed?
§ Dr. SummerskillEvery month we are receiving about 200 to 250 applications for licences or major variations to existing licences. If it is a straightforward matter, it should in normal circumstances be proceeded to the stage of frequency assignment in three to four weeks.