HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 c460W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what transitional period he proposes if the present citizens band frequency range of 27.60 to 27.99 Mhz. is to be phased out in line with the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications Administrations recommendations.

Mr. Fletcher

It will be some while before the new band concerned can be given over to CB in accordance with the CEPT recommendation and as a consequence detailed planning to establish a timetable for the changes required has not yet been undertaken. No decision has been taken to phase out the present citizen's band service, but it is usual in circumstances such as these for there to be an adequate period of transition, during which both the new and existing frequencies may be used.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that technical specification and frequency allocations for citizens band radio between countries of the European Community are harmonised and existing variations are removed.

Mr. Fletcher

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 13 February at column18.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what mechanism his Department has for ensuring that the views of users of citizens band radio are taken into account when he is considering developments affecting the future of citizens band broadcasting.

Mr. Fletcher

My officials in the radio regulatory division periodically meet with representatives of the two main CB user groups, the British CB Council and NATCOLCIBAR, and I am satisfied that this provides adequate opportunity for the views of users concerning future developments in the CB service to be taken fully into account.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will issue a different form of licence for citizens band operators using 21 Mhz to those using 934 Mhz, in order to identify the relative use made of each frequency band.

Mr. Fletcher

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey) on 2 April at column357.