HC Deb 19 October 1981 vol 10 cc29-30W
Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of illegal 27 MHz AM citizens band sets operating in the United Kingdom at the time of the introduction of the legal citizens band system.

Mr. Raison:

The information available is insufficient to enable us to form a reliable estimate. The indications are that, while the number of users of illicit citizens band radio has continued to increase, the rate of increase is now slower than hitherto in most parts of the country.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are being made for the conversion of illegal citizens band sets to the new legal system; and if he can estimate the approximate average cost of such a conversion.

Mr. Raison:

We have made it clear that we welcome the conversion of illegal CB sets, provided they are made to conform in all respects to the standards set for the legal service, and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has made arrangements to accept a single payment on conversion to discharge outstanding liabilities for import duty and VAT. Arrangements for conversion and the costs involved are not matters for the Government.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report the salient details of the citizens band system that has now been legalised.

Mr. Raison:

The technical requirements for equipment are set out in performance specifications MPT 1320 and MPT 1321, and conditions of use are contained in the CB licence application form. Copies of these documents are being placed in the Library. An annual licence fee of £10 will be payable for each group of up to three sets, and licences will be available at post offices from 2 November.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long he estimates it will take to adjust citizens band frequencies to a common European system.

Mr. Raison:

While we know of no move as yet to establish an effective common European CB system, it remains our intention in the longer term to adopt the relevant specification recommended by CEPT. It is not at present possible to estimate when this objective might be achieved.