HC Deb 07 May 1981 vol 4 cc134-5W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from domestic manufacturing industry concerning integrated circuit and general chip manufacturing capacity within the United Kingdom for use under specifications for citizens band radio equipment;

(2) if he is issuing any guidelines to domestic manufacturing industry regarding integrated circuit and general chip requirements for citizens band radio equipment based on the specifications which he is preparing.

Mr. Raison

We have received no representations on this matter nor do we propose to issue any guidelines since radio regulatory considerations are not involved. The draft specifications which we have issued for citizens band radio cover only the frequency and performance characteristics necessary to limit interference to other radio services and are not related to the design of the equipment.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in conversations he has had with British radio and electronic equipment manufacturers, he has been assured that a manufacturing capacity for citizens band radio equipment is to be established in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Raison

Considerable interest has been shown in establishing a manufacturing capacity in this country for citizens band radio equipment. We have now issued licences for the testing and development of such equipment to a number of companies.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, at the same time as he issues the specifications required for 27 Mhz, he will give some indication as to the likely cost of conversion of existing AM/FM equipment to comply with any new specifications.

Mr. Raison

I regret that such an estimate is impossible to make because of the wide range of types of equipment available.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from citizens band radio enthusiasts regarding the specifications he is intending to introduce for citizens band radio equipment.

Mr. Raison

Many citizens band enthusiasts have written to me pressing for a legalised 27MHz AM service. Certain others have expressed dissatisfaction with the precise sub-band—27.605–27.995 MHz—which we are allocating to the legal FM service. Still others have supported our decisions.

Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the extent of the use of citizens band radio in the first two years following its introduction.

Mr. Raison

There is no reliable basis on which to form such an assessment. Previous estimates have suggested that there may be a few hundred thousand sets in operation after two years, but licensing arrangements are being planned so as to give an ample margin if those estimates are exceeded.

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