§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why there is a backlog in dealing with applications for amateur licences for wireless operation; why applications have been dealt with only up to 18 March; and if, in view of the fact that the issue of licences is self-financing from the fees collected, he will take steps to ensure their prompt issue.
§ Mr. Raison:The long delay in issuing radio amateur licences earlier this year was caused by difficulties in producing a revised schedule to the licence; these were resolved in April when a new schedule was published.
The delay currently being caused by the volume of applications received following the August results of the twice-yearly radio amateur examination is now about two months and steps have been taken to reduce it further.