HC Deb 15 May 1995 vol 260 cc100-1W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations his Department has made to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the need for legislation to prevent the cloning of mobile telephones; [23474]

(2) what costs his Department has incurred during the last 12 months as a result of cloning of mobile telephones being utilised by his Department, with particular reference to the making of unauthorised calls. [23483]

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: None.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of Sate for Wales what steps his Department has taken to prevent the cloning of telephones being utilised by his Department; and if his Department has discussed this matter with any official agencies. [23460]

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: We are considering the possibility of making greater use of digital phones which are not susceptible to cloning and are discussing this issue with official agencies.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many mobile telephones being utilised by his Department have been cloned during the last 12 months. [23433]

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: One.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what use his Department makes of hand-held car-based mobile telephones; what were the costs for each financial year of these services since mobile telephones were first introduced to his Department; and how many mobile telephones are currently in use. [23443]

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: Mobile phones are issued to Ministers and key personnel for urgent business communications. For safety reasons mobile phones are also available to travelling officers.

Total costs for the last three financial years are:

  • 1992–93: £22,289.98
  • 1993–94: £50,353.32
  • 1994–95: £48,664.90

One hundred and forty-eight mobile phones are currently in use.

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