§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what European legislation regulates citizens band radio in the United Kingdom; what information he has as to frequencies used in the European Community for this purpose; when Her Majesty's Government intend to comply with such legislation; when he intends to authorise the use of AM single side-band; what representations he has received on this matter from (a) citizens band users in the United Kingdom, and (b) other European countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherI have been asked to reply.
No European legislation regulates CB in the United Kingdom: the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and its regulations are the appropriate United Kingdom legislation. There is, however, a European initiative to 28W harmonise CB and the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications has produced a recommendation T/R 20–02 which provides for a common frequency band at 26.965— 27.405 MHz. The Government hope to adopt this recommendation later this year.
My Department has had no representations from other European countries, but does meet regularly with representatives of United Kingdom CB radio users and is aware of the desire of a few to use AM. My Department has no intention of authorising AM as it is more likely to cause interference to other users of radio than is the case with FM (frequency modulation) sets. The harmonised CEPT recommendation provides for FM only.