HC Deb 28 February 1984 vol 55 cc93-4W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list the pirate radio stations currently broadcasting; and how this compares with 1979 and 1974;

(2) if he will consider taking out injunctions against those illegal stations which, having been fined, continue to broadcast illegally;

(3) in how many cases illegal broadcasters' equipment has been confiscated following action by his Department;

(4) how many illegal stations have resumed broadcasting after being fined in 1983.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

In 1983 there were 40 prosecutions involving 20 pirate radio stations and in all cases the court granted forfeiture of equipment. Four of the stations were heard broadcasting again after a conviction. Since 1 January this year radio stations using the following names have been heard broadcasting:

  • Alice's Restaurant
  • Britain Radio International
  • City Sounds
  • County Radio
  • Dread Broadcasting Company
  • East Coast Commercial Radio
  • Floss Radio
  • Horizon Radio
  • Imagine Radio
  • Krypton Radio
  • London Rock
  • London Weekend Radio
  • Our Radio
  • Radio Amanda
  • Radio Atlanta
  • Radio Apollo
  • Radio Caroline
  • Radio Caroline International
  • Radio Enoch
  • Radio Freedom International
  • Radio Invicta
  • Radio Jackie
  • Radio Linda
  • Radio Laser
  • Radio Sunshine
  • SCR
  • Skyline Radio
  • Sounds Alternative
  • South East Sound
  • Sovereign Radio
  • Weekend Music Radio

Details of pirate radio stations broadcasting in 1979 and 1974 are not available. On the question of injunctions, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Stevens) on 23 February at column 602.

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that existing legislation is sufficient to curb pirate broadcasting.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The Government are seeking new powers in the Telecommunications Bill which will enable a pirate station's equipment to be seized pending prosecution. This, together with the provisions announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary on 20 February which will increase the maximum fine available to the courts to £2,000, will I hope prove an effective weapon against pirate broadcasters.

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he intends to seek injunctions against those who practice illegal broadcasting.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Stevens) on 23 February at column602.

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