§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what has been the percentage increase in licence fees for private users of radio since February 1978; and if he will make a statement.
(2) what consideration he gave to the interests of (a) small businesses and (b) taxi proprietors in rural areas, before the announcement of the increase in licence fees for private users of radio;
(3) what representations he has received from taxi proprietors concerning the increase in the cost of two-way radio licences; and if he will make a statement
§ Mr. RaisonFees for private mobile radio licences were increased on 1 January 1981 by 64 per cent. overall. At the same time we introduced a new method of charging392W these fees according to bands of the number of stations involved. In accordance with normal Government charging policy, the fees were set to ensure that the full costs of administering a service are met by the licensee and not by the taxpayer.
We have subsequently received a few representations that the new charging system exposes small users of private mobile radio to larger than average increases. This aspect is being considered as part of a general review of licensing structure.