§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints he has received over abuses of citizens band radio; and whether he proposes to take action in this connection.
§ Mr. RaisonMany complaints have been received by my Department and British Telecom's radio interference service, but the total number could be ascertained only at disproportionate cost. Within the limitations imposed by other heavy demands upon their resources, the radio interference service has been instructed to investigate breaches of the CB licence conditions. Additionally, we are seeking to strengthen the enforcement provisions of Wireless Telegraphy Legislation in the Telecommunications Bill.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total of licences for citizens band radio now issued; and what is his estimate of the number of sets now operating in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RaisonBy 29 October some 350,000 CB radio licences had been issued. We have no reliable information on which to base an estimate of the number of sets in use.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards agreement for a common European citizens band frequency; and what frequency, mode and power is proposed.
§ Mr. RaisonA committee of the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications Administrations is considering a draft recommendation on 27 MHz citizens band radio equipment. The current proposals are for a service operating in the frequency band 26.960 MHz to 27.410 MHz. The service contemplated would use only frequency or phase modulation and a maximum power of 4 watts.