§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations are being undertaken by his Department in preparation for the World Administrative Radio Conference in 1979.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThis is a very important conference, the results of which600W will govern the allocation of radio frequencies to particular services, probably until the end of this century. We have already undertaken a substantial measure of consultation with both users and manufacturers of radio equipment during the preliminary phase of our work for the conference; but at this stage, before the United Kingdom's proposals for the conference are formulated, we think a rather wider programme of consultation is desirable. Inevitably there will be conflicts between the claims of different services. Significant decisions will have to be made about economic and social priorities; large-scale investment plans will be affected. In the circumstances we consider it right to make every effort to ensure that any whose interests may be affected should have an opportunity to state their views before our decisions are made. Those known to have an interest will be specifically invited to comment; but comments will be welcomed from any members of the public. They should be in writing and should reach the Home Office Radio Regulatory Department, Waterloo Bridge House, Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UA, by 30th April 1977.