§ Mrs. Rumboldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures of deregulation his Department has achieved during the year 1983–84; and what his plans are for 1984–85.
§ Mr. BrittanThe key responsibility which my Department has for criminal justice policy and law and order generally limits the scope for introducing measures of deregulation. Nonetheless, efforts have been made and will continue to be made to ensure that in new legislation for which I am responsible regulatory procedures are kept as simple as possible and the burdens and costs of compliance kept to a minimum.
Particular progress has been made in the areas of broadcasting and gambling. On broadcasting, under exemption regulations laid before Parliament on 26 July operators of broadcast relay systems will no longer need 308W a licence from my Department under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. The new framework established by the Cable and Broadcasting Act for the development of cable services creates the opportunity for further competition in the provision of programme services. The Act also paves the way for a new independent national radio service and during the next year I intend to consider what scope there is for the development of community radio services.
On gambling, the Lotteries (Amendment) Act 1984 which received Royal Assent on 12 April enables printers in Great Britain to print and supply lottery tickets and associated lottery material such as advertisements, for use in the promotion of a lottery wholly outside Great Britain. Prior to this the export of lottery material was prohibited. The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act, which received Royal Assent on 26 June, empowers the Secretary of State by order to relax the restrictions on facilities which may be provided in betting offices. The aim will be to make an order in 1985, following consultations.