§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when holders of the citizens band radio licence will be able to use the frequencies of the common European CEPT system; and how long they will be able to use the existing 27MHz frequency after the launch of the CEPT system.
§ Mr. PattieI am pleased to be able to annouce that all holders of a current CB licence who possess appropriate298W equipment meeting my Department's new performance specification MPT 1333 will be able to use these frequencies from 1 September 1987.
I am also glad to reaffirm that the existing 27MHz frequencies will be in use for a long period. The existing CB United Kingdom specification (MPT 1320) will be reviewed during 1990 but, whether the outcome of the review, we will ensure that existing users get a good life out of their sets. One of the major factors we shall take into account in assessing the continuing need for the existing channels in 1990 will be the size of the licensed CB service. Irrespective of the outcome of this review, we will not be permitting conversions between two services. Converted sets will not meet the new specification and can give rise to interference. Sets must fully meet the new specification as this gives the best chance of European harmonisation of CB.