§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to make it a specific offence to advertise or to seek to advertise on pirate radio stations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIt is an offence under the Marine, Etc, Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967 to advertise on a marine broadcasting station; that provision is necessary in view of the difficulty of proceeding directly against an illicit broadcaster on the high seas. In the case of land-based stations I am not convinced that existing legislation will not be adequate when reinforced by the new powers in the Telecommunications Bill and the increased penalties taking effect on 1 May.