HC Deb 06 May 1981 vol 4 cc55-6W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his assessment of the effect of his decision to allocate 27 MHz FM for citizens band radio on operators of radio-controlled models; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what consultations his Department held with organisations representing radio-controlled model users before his announcement to allocate 27 MHz FM for citizens band radio;

(3) whether he is satisfied that under his proposals for citizens band radio there will be no conflict between citizens band users and model users.

Mr. Raison

The responses to the discussion document which we published on this issue reflected a number of interests including those of radio-controlled model users. Only after all these had been carefully considered was it decided to allot part of the 27 MHz band to citizens band radio. However, the authorised service will be located in the sub-band between 27.6–28 MHz which places it above that part of the band used by radio control modellers. This will avoid conflict between modellers and operators of the new service.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

as asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many model control licences were granted in (a) Great Britain and (b) Wales in each year since 1974;

(2) if he is satisfied with the inspection procedure for model control licence holders.

Mr. Raison

We can give only the annual number of such licences which were issued in the United Kingdom. These are as follows:

1974 7,403
1975 9,612
1976 10,331
1977 11,127
1978 13,488
1979 23,685
1980 27,184

The use of model control equipment was exempted from licensing with effect from 1 January 1981 by means of the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1980. The regulations provide that the use of such equipment is subject to its being made available for inspection by any person authorised for the purpose by the Secretary of State. This provision is a sensible safeguard against the use of model control equipment in a way which does not conform with the terms of the exemption regulations.