§ Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to deal with interference from amateur radio transmissions suffered by the residents of Tudor Close, Eastcote, near Pinner, Middlesex; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherProblems can arise when high power radio transmissions are made in close proximity to radio and television sets, or indeed a range of electrical apparatus not designed to receive radio. Such problems can be exacerbated by equipment which is deficient in its ability to reject unwanted signals or in the case of radios and televisions which have an inadequate or defective aerial or no aerial at all. The problem is growing because more and more homes now contain a great range of electric equipment; and high power transmitting equipment is now more widely available to the growing number of amateur radio licensees.
Radio amateurs generally take a responsible attitude to the problems their transmissions cause. Equally, 94W manufacturers are keen to produce equipment which has adequate immunity. Regrettably, a few amateurs and manufacturers do not have such a responsible attitude; it is they who cause problems.
My officials are currently discussing with the British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Radio Society of Great Britain the implications for them of the new standard for television immunity currently under discussion internationally and procedures for dealing with individual cases where interference is caused. I would like to see sensible immunity standards observed by all manufacturers and importers of radio receiving and radio sensitive equipment. Where possible and appropriate these will be enforced by order. Similarly, manufacturers and importers of radio and non-radio equipment should seek to ensure that their products do not cause interference to radio users. Orders exist for some types of equipment and where appropriate others will be made.
Where it proves impossible to resolve individual problems and the affected apparatus has been brought up to a reasonable level of immunity, I intend to vary the terms under which the relevant amateurs are licensed; where necessary (and I hope it will not be necessary often) licences will be revoked.
In the particular case referred to by my hon. Friend, I will vary the powers which the amateur is licensed to use and restrict his use of certain bands. If this does not resolve the problem, I shall further review the position.