HC Deb 25 February 1981 vol 999 cc363-4W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received (a) from Gwynedd and (b) from Wales regarding the legalising of citizens band radio.

Mr. Raison

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Brown) on 13 February.—[Vol. 998. c.445–46.] The information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate cost, since the representations we have received have not been recorded by geographical area.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of illegal users of citizens band radio in (a) Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) England.

Mr. Raison

Based on information supplied by the Post Office radio interference service, our current rough estimate is:

Illegal Users
(a) Wales 6,000
(b) Scotland 9,000
(c) England 48,000

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are being made for the distribution and discussion of the third report of the Home Office working party on citizens band radio; and how many copies of the report have been printed.

Mr. Whitelaw

There is no working party on citizens band radio.

The hon. Member may be referring to the third report of the Home Office local radio working party. When I announced publication of the third report on 18 December I said that I would reach a decision on its proposals in the light of comments, and after further consultations with the BBC and IBA I invited comments by 30 April. Copies of the report have been sent to organisations consulted by the working party and other organisations and individuals who have indicated their interest. So far about 750 copies have been distributed. Further copies can be obtained from my Department.