HC Deb 31 October 1983 vol 47 cc247-8W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed by British Telecom in York investigating complaints of television and radio interference by citizens band radio.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

British Telecom in York employs four staff on the investigation of complaints of radio interference including those caused by citizens' band radio.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints have been made to the York office of British Telecom for the city of Hull concerning citizens band radio interference with television and radio reception; how many have been investigated; how long the investigations took; and with what results.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Between 1 January and 30 September 1983, 414 complaints of interference to broadcast reception from all sources were made to British Telecom, York, from the Hull area. Of these, 70 per cent. are estimated to have been due to CB radio. All complaints are investigated and in that period 468 cases were cleared. The time taken to complete an investigation varies with the complexity of the case.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the length of time taken to investigate complaints by members of the public of interference on television and radio caused by citizens band radio in the York office of British Telecom.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The time taken varies with the complexity of the case. In most of the area covered by the York office complainants are normally visited within 2 to 3 weeks of making a complaint. However. in Hull, where a larger number of complaints are made, it can be 10 to 12 weeks before a complainant is visited.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints have been received of citizens band radio interference by British Telecom, York; how many have been investigated; and with what results.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Between 1 January and 30 September 1983, 801 complaints of interference to broadcast reception from all sources were made to British Telecom, York. Of these, 50 per cent. are estimated to have been due to CB radio. All complaints are investigated and in that period 862 cases were cleared.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases there have been to date in 1983 for the illegal use of citizens band radio systems on official channels.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

This information is not available.