§ Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to tackle the problem of pirate radio stations; and what action his Department has taken in respect of Radio Jackie, based in Morden, Surrey.
§ Mr. ButcherSince 1 January this year action against pirate radio stations has resulted in 50 unlicensed108W transmitters being traced (on 25 occasions the transmitter was unmanned) and 14 people being successfully prosecuted for offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. Other prosecutions are pending. We intend to continue to give a high degree of priority to the tracing and prosecution of pirate radio operators.
The operators of Radio Jackie have been prosecuted on many occasions, and recently the Department has written to advertisers on Radio Jackie warning them that it is an illegal station. I do not think it would be in the public interest to disclose details of action planned against particular pirate radio stations. However, if the right hon. Member has any particular point to raise on this perhaps he would write to me.