§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to introduce a novice amateur radio licence.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to the reply, 29 January 1985, c.74]: We have no plans to introduce a novice amateur radio licence at present.
§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had from the Radio Society of Great Britain in relation to the introduction of a novice amateur radio licence.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to the reply, 29 January 1985, c.74]: The Radio Society of Great Britain, which represents the interests of United Kingdom radio amateurs, has put forward proposals for a provisional or novice licence in the past, but it has not done so in recent times because, I understand, doubts have been expressed as to 218W whether a novice facility is in the best interests of amateur radio. We require radio amateurs to achieve a minimum standard of proficiency and there are fears that introducing a lower standard for novices would cause interference to other services. Officials in the Department's radio regulatory division (RRD) are, however, in discussion with the society about an alternative facility; a formal proposal has just been put forward and is receiving consideration.
§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the amateur radio licence issuing department has been fully computerised.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to the reply, 29 January 1985, c.74]: The amateur radio licensing process became fully computerised on 1 October 1984. At this early stage, refinements to the system are continuing.