§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have received concerning the increase in the number of illegal radio broadcasters and whether they will take further action to prevent a growth of illegal stations, which may impede their policy to encourage more licensed and viable independant radio stations.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)My department's Radio Investigation Service (RIS) has received a number of representations about the increase in unlicensed broadcasting stations from licensed broadcasters and from other licensed radio users suffering interference. The RIS has carried out a record 444 raids last year and will continue to pursue these stations with vigour and with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the running of them. Furthermore in the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill the Government will be seeking additional powers to make it an offence to supply goods and services for the operation of an unlicensed station, to advertise on an unlicensed station or to solicit others to do so and to be engaged in the operation of the unlicensed station.