§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is to take any further powers to control interference to television and telephone communications arising from equipment used by amateur radio operators.
§ Mr. AtkinsYes. The European Community directive on electro-magnetic compatibility will require all electrical apparatus, including radio transmitters placed on the market, not to cause interference to other apparatus, and for such apparatus, including television and telephones to be adequately immune from interference.
I anticipate the directive entering into force on 1 January 1992. Irrespective of legal requirements, the responsible use of amateur radio apparatus depends upon licensees co-operating with their neighbours on interference problems: I am glad to say that the vast majority of radio amateurs exercise that responsibility.