§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received any representations concerning increases in pirate radio traffic in the Greater London area.
§ Mr. ButcherFrom time to time a number of organisations based in the Greater London Area whose legitimate activities have been affected by unlicensed broadcasting stations have made representations about the difficulties they have experienced.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received any reports of FM signal interference caused by pirate radio traffic in the Greater London area.
§ Mr. ButcherMy Department's radio investigation service receives frequent complaints of radio interference caused by unauthorised use of radio including unlicensed broadcasting stations in the Greater London area. Unlicensed broadcasters have caused interference to authorised broadcasting services and to radio systems used by the police, fire and ambulance services, services essential to the safety of customers and employees of airlines, gas companies, and bus companies. With this in mind we are committed to stopping the interference from unlicensed broadcasters.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many prosecutions were brought under section 79 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 in Greater London last year; how many resulted in convictions; and how many resulted in the confiscation of broadcasting equipment.
§ Mr. ButcherNo prosecutions have been brought under section 79 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. Last year (1985), 182 prosecutions were brought under sections 1, 5 and 13 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 in Greater London. Of these 93 related to unlicensed broadcasting of which 92 resulted in conviction. In 61 of the latter cases forfeiture of equipment was ordered by the court.