§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will delay making a final decision on the use of the lower part of the 27MHz waveband for citizens band radio until the conclusions of the Committee of the European Parliament which is investigating this matter have been published.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Government have stated their intention of adopting in due course the recommendations of the conference of European posts and telecommunications administrations, which is the main forum for discussion of radio standards in Europe comprising 26 administrations including those of the Community. Its recommendations relate to the use of 40 channels in the lower part of the 27 MHz hand for frequency modulated CB radio. There is a number of issues still to be resolved and I do not expect to be in a position to announce a final decision for some time. UK manufacturing, trading and user interests will be consulted before that decision is reached and due account will be taken of any prospective developments in the Community.
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§ Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans for the allocation of a further wave band for citizens band amplitude modulation use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherNo. We have announced our intention of adopting the CEPT recommendation for CB radio but like our existing service this provides for the use of frequency modulation, which is less likely to interfere with other UK radio and television services.