§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current length of the delay 224W in issuing new radio amateur licences after application; why cheques enclosed with applications are cashed immediately on recipt despite the delay; and if he will either obviate the delay or defer encashment of cheques until the issue of the licence.
§ Mr. RaisonThe current delay is 3½months. Between 1978 and 1982, the demand for amateur radio licences has increased approximately four-fold. It is, however, our hope in due course to reduce the delays in this area of licensing. It is Government accounting policy that all receipts should be banked promptly, and we are unable to agree to an exception in this case.