§ 8. Sir Anthony Kershawasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects Radio Amateurs Emergency Network—Raynet—operators to be allowed to participate in local civil defence exercises without the prior approval of his Department.
§ The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr. David Waddington)The role of radio amateurs in civil defence planning and exercises is under review and we expect a decision to be made soon. We believe that they can make an important contribution to civil defence at local level.
§ Sir Anthony KershawWill my hon. and learned Friend give every encouragement to radio amateurs and operators in view of the great help that they could give in an emergency?
§ Mr. WaddingtonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Neil ThorneWill my hon. and learned Friend also consider whether the citizens band radio enthusiast has a role to play in that area, because the enormous growth in citizens band radio usage in recent years could not have been foreseen when the regulations were drawn up? Does my hon. and learned Friend accept that many 387 people now have expertise in this area and might well be able to play an important role in the public's general growing interest in civil defence?
§ Mr. WaddingtonI shall also consider that matter.