HC Deb 20 July 1981 vol 9 c5W
Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used in deciding whether to prosecute people making illegal use of citizens band radio equipment.

Mr. Raison

All reports of suspected illicit use of citizens band radio submitted to the Home Office are considered with a view to prosecution. Except in the case of juveniles, the only criterion used in deciding on the institution of proceedings is the likelihood of securing a conviction.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received any further representations from users of model aeroplanes about the arrangements he has made for allocation of a wave band to citizens band radio operators.

Mr. Whitelaw

Since I announced my final conclusions on this matter on 24 June in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Sir P. Wall) I have received three letters from model aircraft enthusiasts. No authorised service does or will conflict with the 27 MHz sub-band at present allotted to model control, and in addition model aircraft enthusiasts already have two other frequency bands available to them.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will ensure that representatives of prospective British manufacturers and importers of citizens band equipment who were members of the Home Office specification committee on citizens band radio are appointed as members of the Advisory Committee on Radio Interference established under section 9 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 to make regulations under section 10 of the same Act.

Mr. Raison

Under section 9(2) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, my right hon. Friend is required to exercise his powers so as to secure that the committee is sufficiently representative of persons whose interests are likely to be affected. He is satisfied that the panel of persons already nominated by the president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers will enable him to do so.