§ 20. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the clarity of the procedures for handling complaints about citizens band radio abuse, as between his Department, the police and British Telecom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonYes, but if my hon. Friend has a particular point in mind, perhaps he would let me know of it.
35. Sir PatrickWall asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on citizens band radio.
§ Mr. RaisonOver a quarter of a million CB licences have now been issued, and in general users of the new service appear satisfied with it. Regulations have been laid before Parliament which place on manufacturers and importers of CB equipment the same requirements as regards interference as those already applying to users through their licence, and an order has also been made to bring up to date the control of manufacture and importation. Regrettably, illicit AM transmissions continue to cause widespread interference to the emergency services and broadcasting reception as well as to licensed CB operators. We intend to bring forward legislation to strengthen the enforcement powers available and to provide powers to ban the sale of illicit equipment as soon as parliamentary time permits.