World Administrative Radio Conference (Frequency Changes)

HC Deb 30 April 1980 vol 983 cc563-4W

62. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the expected cost, and effect on rate levels, would be of implementing the frequency changes proposed by the World Administrative Radio Conference to (a) United Kingdom police forces, (b) Devon and Cornwall constabulary, (c) United Kingdom fire services, (d) United Kingdom ambulance services, (e) other radio-controlled local government services and (f) water authorities; whether Her Majesty's Government intend to implement those recommendations; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

The results of the 1979 World Administrative Radio Conference are binding on all member States of the International Telecommunication Union, including the United Kingdom. The conference results necessitate frequency changes to some radio systems, and the land mobile radio systems of the United Kingdom's police and fire services are among those that will be affected. Consideration is being given to the phasing of these changes, which will have to be completed by the end of 1989, with a view to minimising the cost and disruption of the services. It is, therefore, too early to assess the cost accurately.

The mobile radio systems used by the ambulance services, by other local government services and by the water authorities operate in different frequency bands, and should not be directly affected by the results of the conference.

Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's policy on the World Administrative Radio Conference's proposals to reallocate frequencies used by the police forces and fire services; and whether these would necessitate the replacement of the forces' VHF equipment.

Mr. Raison

The results of the 1979 World Administrative Radio Conference are binding on all member states of the International Telecommunication Union including the United Kingdom. The conference results necessitate frequency changes to a number of radio systems and the VHF land mobile radio systems of the United Kingdom's police and fire services are among those that will be affected. It will be necessary to move them from their existing frequencies by the end of 1989.

These changes will almost certainly require a substantial but phased programme of re-equipment.