§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what preparations he is now making to comply with the European conference of posts and telecommunications administrations, Stockholm, recommendation on European frequencies which is expected to be ratified later in 1983
§ Mr. MellorDiscussions are taking place with users who would be most affected by the adoption in the United Kingdom of the draft CEPT recommendation on 27 MHz citizens band radio in order to consider how the recommendations might be applied in the United Kingdom after it acceptance by CEPT.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the implications for citizens band radio operators of the provisions of the Telecommunications Bill.
§ Mr. MellorThe provisions amending the Wireless Telegraphy Acts contained in the Telecommunications Bill are designed to increase the powers available under existing law to control the use and availability of unauthorised wireless telegraphy apparatus, including illegal CB radio. They do not impose any new restrictions on legal operators of CB or any other radio apparatus.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what indications he has of the present level and trend of misuse of channel 9 citizens band; and what has been the trend in prosecutions for such misuse.
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§ Mr. MellorWe are aware that the CB code of practice recommendation that channel 9 should be used only for emergencies and assistance is being ignored by a number of operators. We are not convinced, however, that this should be made an offence.