HC Deb 26 November 1980 vol 994 cc433-4
36. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will consider advising police forces in Scotland on a general policy regarding action concerning persons alleged to be illegally broadcasting on open channel radios.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland (Mr. Nicholas Fairbairn)

I do not think that there is any necessity to advise police forces on a general policy regarding action concerning people who allegedly illegally broadcast. The police are well aware that the use of 27 MHz citizens band radios is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, and offences are reported to the procurators fiscal from time to time when they are detected.

Mr. Foulkes

Is the Solicitor-General aware of the wide variety of practices adopted throughout Scotland on prosecution on this matter, which causes great resentment among the fraternity who meet regularly on the topic? In view of the impending legalisation of citizens band radio, will the hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider his announcement?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

There is a wide variety of practices in Scotland, but it must be understood that those who broadcast on that waveband interfere with ambulance and other essential services. That is the reason for prosecution. A Green Paper is being considered, and representations upon it must be in by November. The impartiality of prosecution is in no way prejudiced between one part of Scotland and another.

Mr. Henderson

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that many legal radio operators suffer considerable interference from the Kirk o' Shotts transmitter, with foul language and music being transmitted with the sole aim of perpetrating airways vandalism? Will my hon. and learned Friend advise the police to consider whether there is any way in which this behaviour can be stopped? Is he aware that those who are responsible for it are not those who would seek to use citizens band radio?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I deprecate foul language in any circumstances—

Mr. Lambie

Remember the picket.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I did not know that the word "picket" was foul language, but if it is I include it. If my hon. Friend is aware of specific breaches of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, I hope that he will report them to the police so that the procurator fiscal can take action.

Mr. Lambie

Is the Solicitor-General aware that this problem will disappear if the Government introduce legislation to legalise the use of citizens band radio? Will he confirm that, after receiving all the representations on the Green Paper, the Government intend to introduce such legislation in this Session of Parliament?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

No, I cannot give that assurance The document is directed at genuine consultation. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will make his position clear. In the meantime, I hope that people will not take pirate radio into their own hands and upset those who broadcast legally.