§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money is spent each year combating the abuse of the airwaves; and whether the abuse is increasing.
§ Mr. ButcherIn 1983–84 my Department spent around £1.3 million on combating illicit use of radio. It is not clear whether abuse of the airwaves is increasing. Complaints of radio interference fell from a peak of 73,300 in 1982 to 55,800 in 1983 and are likely to show a further decline this year. On the other hand, complaints about pirate broadcasting have increased and correspondence about abuse of citizens' band continues at a serious level.