§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his estimate of the number of users of citizens' band radios in the United Kingdom;
708W(2)how many officials are employed in tracing and investigating users of citizens' band radios;
(3)on how many occasions to date in the current year there have been authorised raids on the homes of users of citizens' band radios; and how many prosecutions have followed.
§ Mr. RaisonWe have no information on which to base a reliable estimate of the number of people using citizens' band radios. The investigation of all forms of illicit use of radio is undertaken by the Post Office radio interference service, whose main task is the investigation of complaints of interference. No members of the service are employed primarily on investigating illicit use of citizens' band equipment. If illegal importation of equipment is suspected, officers of HM Customs and Excise may also be involved. The investigating staff do not require prior authority from the Home Office before interviewing suspected offenders. Since the beginning of this year, prosecution proceedings have been initiated against 37 persons suspected of installing or using citizens' band radios.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 so as to legalise the use of citizens' band radios.
§ Mr. RaisonNo amendment would be necessary.