HC Deb 01 November 1979 vol 972 cc588-9W
Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the number of illegal radios currently operating in the United Kingdom;

(2) what is his estimate of the number of private radio transceivers entering Great Britain each week.

Mr. Raison

I have no reliable information on which to make such estimates.

Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints he received in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 of private radio interference with television reception, blocking of radio channels by high-powered emissions and other forms of interference, including deliberate jamming.

Mr. Raison

Information in the form requested is not available.

Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for illegal radio transmissions there were in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978; and what was the average penalty imposed.

Mr. Raison

The number of persons convicted of making unlicensed radio transmissions were as follows:

1975 111
1976 57
1977 61
1978 47

The average fine imposed was £50.