HL Deb 18 March 1980 vol 407 cc165-6

2.49 p.m.

Lord MORRIS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement on the results of the World Administrative Radio Conference as they affect the United Kingdom.

Lord BELSTEAD

My Lords, the decisions of the World Administrative Radio Conference so far as they may affect the United Kingdom are now being studied very carefully. But already it is clear that, at least in the short term, they will have limited effects on the great majority of our telecommunications. To give two examples where an effect can be foreseen: some re-planning of certain important land mobile services will be necessary, while the new flexibility available for the long term use of certain broadcasting bands will have to be explored. In other cases, however, the precise effects on our services will not be clear until the further conferences foreseen by the WRAC have been held. Already, we are laying the foundation for the related preparatory work.

Lord MORRIS

My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for that helpful and informative reply? May I ask him whether he is aware that many who know this somewhat esoteric subject have good reason for admiration of, and gratitude to, the United Kingdom representatives who maintained and secured this country's best interests during the negotiations in Geneva?

Lord BELSTEAD

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for those kind words. I will certainly draw my right honourable friend's attention to them.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the Radio Society of Great Britain, representing radio amateurs, considered the results in their field as very satisfactory? Is he further aware that the society is indebted to the Home Office delegation for their advice and co-operation? The Home Office team is indeed to be congratulated on its efficient and effective work, which deserves the highest praise.

Lord BELSTEAD

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord for the remarks which he has made from his side of the House. It was a very long conference and made very great demands on the United Kingdom team who went to Geneva. I will also draw my right honourable friend's attention to the words which the noble Lord has been good enough to speak.