Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (repealed)

Part I U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. I (ss. 1-8) excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 7(1)

Regulation of Wireless Telegraphy U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Power to exclude Part I conferred by S.I. 1965/1536, art. 7(c)

1 Licensing of wireless telegraphy. U.K.

(1) No person shall establish or use any station for wireless telegraphy or instal or use any apparatus for wireless telegraphy except under the authority of a licence in that behalf [F1 granted by the [F2 Secretary of State], and any person][F1 granted under this section—

(a) by the Secretary of State (unless it is a television licence), or

(b) if it is a television licence, by the BBC;

and any person] who establishes or uses any station for wireless telegraphy or instals or uses any apparatus for wireless telegraphy except under and in accordance with such a licence shall be guilty of an offence under this Act:

Provided that the [F2 Secretary of State] may by regulations exempt from the provisions of this subsection the establishment, installation or use of stations for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus of such classes or descriptions as may be specified in the regulations, either absolutely or subject to such terms, provisions and limitations as may be so specified.

(2) A licence granted under this section (hereafter in this Act referred to as a wireless telegraphy licence) may be issued subject to such terms, provisions and [F3 limitations as the [F2 Secretary of State] may think fit, including][F3 limitations—

(a) as the Secretary of State may think fit; or

(b) in the case of a television licence, as the Secretary of State may direct or (subject to any such direction) the BBC may think fit,

including] in particular in the case of a licence to establish a station, limitations as to the position and nature of the station, the purposes for which, the circumstances in which, and the persons by whom the station may be used, and the apparatus which may be installed or used therein, and, in the case of any other licence, limitations as to the apparatus which may be installed or used, and the places where, the purposes for which, the circumstances in which and the persons by whom the apparatus may be used.

(3) A wireless telegraphy licence shall, unless previously revoked by the [F2 Secretary of State], [F4 or (if it is a television licence) by the BBC] continue in force for such period as may be specified in the licence.

(4) A wireless telegraphy licence [F5 other than a television licence] may be revoked, or the terms, provisions or limitations thereof varied, by a notice in writing of the [F2 Secretary of State] served on the holder of the licence or by a general notice applicable to licences of the class to which the licence in question belongs published in such manner as may be specified in the licence [F6 ; and a television licence may be revoked, or the terms, provisions or limitations thereof varied, by the BBC (either of their own motion or to give effect to any direction of the Secretary of State under subsection (2)(b) of this section)—

(a) by a notice in writing served on the holder of the licence; or

(b) by a general notice published as mentioned above.]

(5) Where a wireless telegraphy licence has expired or has been revoked, it shall be the duty of the person to whom the licence was issued, and of every other person in whose possession or under whose control the licence may be, to cause the licence to be surrendered to the [F2 Secretary of State] if required by the [F2 Secretary of State] so to do, and any person who without reasonable excuse fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of an offence under this Act:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply to a licence relating solely to apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception).

(6) Nothing in this section shall authorise the inclusion, in any wireless telegraphy licence relating solely to apparatus not designed or adapted for emmission (as opposed to reception), of any term, or provision requiring any person to concede any form of right of entry into any private dwellinghouse.

[F7 (7) In this Act—

• “television licence” means a wireless telegraphy licence authorising the installation and use of a television receiver; and

• “television receiver” means television receiving apparatus of any class or description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State under section 2 of this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F1 “granted under this section ...” substituted (1. 4. 1991) for from “granted” to “any person” by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(2)

F2 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F3 “limitations—(a)as the Secretary of State may think fit ...” substituted (1. 4. 1991) for from “limitations as ...” where first occurring to “including” by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(3)

F4 Words inserted (1. 4. 1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(4)

F5 Words inserted (1. 4. 1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(5)(a)

F6 Words added (1. 4. 1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(5)(b)

F7 S. 1(7) added by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 1(6)

[F8 1A Offence of keeping wireless telegraphy station or apparatus available for unauthorised use. U.K.

Any person who has any station for wireless telegraphy or apparatus for wireless telegraphy in his possession or under his control and either—

(a) intends to use it in contravention of section 1 of this Act; or

(b) knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that another person intends to use it in contravention of that section,

shall be guilty of an offence.]

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 1A inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 168

[F9 1B Offence of allowing premises to be used for purpose of unlawful broadcasting. U.K.

(1) A person who is in charge of any premises which are used for making an unlawful broadcast, or for sending signals for the operation or control of any apparatus used for the purpose of making an unlawful broadcast from any other place, shall be guilty of an offence if—

(a) he knowingly causes or permits the premises to be so used; or

(b) having reasonable cause to believe that the premises are being so used, he fails to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances of the case to prevent the premises from being so used.

(2) For the purposes of this section a person is in charge of any premises if he—

(a) is the owner or occupier of the premises; or

(b) has, or acts or assists in, the management or control of the premises.

(3) For the purposes of this section a broadcast is unlawful if—

(a) it is made by means of the use of any station for wireless telegraphy or apparatus for wireless telegraphy in contravention of section 1 of this Act; or

(b) the making of the broadcast contravenes any provision of the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967.

(4) In this section—

• “broadcast” has the same meaning as in the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967;

• “premises” includes any place and, in particular, includes—

(a) any vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and

(b) any structure or other object (whether movable or otherwise and whether on land or otherwise).]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 1B inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 169

[F10 1C Prohibition of acts facilitating unauthorised broadcasting. U.K.

(1) If a person—

(a) does any of the acts mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to a broadcasting station by which unauthorised broadcasts are made, and

(b) if any knowledge or belief or any circumstances is or are specified in relation to the act, does it with that knowledge or belief or in those circumstances,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) The acts referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) participating in the management, financing, operation or day-to-day running of the station knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station;

(b) supplying, installing, repairing or maintaining any wireless telegraphy apparatus or any other item knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the apparatus or other item is to be, or is, used for the purpose of facilitating the operation or day-to-day running of the station and that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station;

(c) rendering any other service to any person knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the rendering of that service to that person will facilitate the operation or day-to-day running of the station and that unauthorised broadcasts are so made;

(d) supplying a film or sound recording knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an unauthorised broadcast of the film or recording is to be so made;

(e) making a literary, dramatic or musical work knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an unauthorised broadcast of the work is to be so made;

(f) making an artistic work knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an unauthorised broadcast including that work is to be so made;

(g) doing any of the following acts, namely—

(i) participating in an unauthorised broadcast made by the station, being actually present as an announcer, as a performer or one of the performers concerned in an entertainment given, or as the deliverer of a speech;

(ii) advertising, or inviting another to advertise, by means of an unauthorised broadcast made by the station; or

(iii) publishing the times or other details of any unauthorised broadcasts made by the station or (otherwise than by publishing such details) publishing an advertisement of matter calculated to promote the station (whether directly or indirectly),

knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station.

(3) In any proceedings against a person for an offence under this section consisting in the supplying of any thing or the rendering of any service, it shall be a defence for him to prove that he was obliged, under or by virtue of any enactment, to supply that thing or render that service.

(4) If, by means of an unauthorised broadcast made by a broadcasting station, it is stated, suggested or implied that any entertainment of which a broadcast is so made has been supplied by, or given at the expense of, a person, then for the purposes of this section he shall, unless he proves that it was not so supplied or given, be deemed thereby to have advertised.

(5) Section 46 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 shall have effect for the purpose of construing references in this section to the supply of any thing as it has effect for the purpose of construing references in that Act to the supply of any goods.

(6) In this section—

• “broadcast” has the same meaning as in the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967;

• “broadcasting station” means any business or other operation (whether or not in the nature of a commercial venture) which is engaged in the making of broadcasts;

• “film” , “sound recording”, “literary, dramatic or musical work” and “artistic work” have the same meaning as in Part I of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988;

• “speech” includes lecture, address and sermon; and

• “unauthorised broadcast” means a broadcast made by means of the use of a station for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus in contravention of section 1 of this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 1C inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 170

Valid from 31/12/1997

[F11 1D Procedures for the grant of licences providing a telecommunications service U.K.

(1) This section and the following section apply to wireless telegraphy licences which—

(a) authorise the establishment or use of any station, or the installation or use of any apparatus, for wireless telegraphy for the purpose of providing a telecommunications service involving the conveyance of signals by wireless telegraphy; and

(b) are not television licences or licences to broadcast programmes for general reception.

(2) In subsection (1) “telecommunications service” means a service falling within paragraph (a) of the definition of “telecommunication service” in section 4(3) of the M1 Telecommunications Act 1984.

(3) An application for the grant of a licence shall be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of State, details of which shall be set out in a notice given by him.

(4) The procedures specified under subsection (3) shall include time-limits for dealing with the grant of licences, requirements which must be met for the grant of a licence, and particulars of the terms, provisions and limitations to which licences which may be issued are to be subject.

(5) Where the person applying for a licence fails to provide any information which the Secretary of State reasonably requires in order to satisfy himself that the applicant is able to comply with the terms, provisions and limitations in the licence the Secretary of State may refuse to grant the licence.

(6) Where the Secretary of State proposes to refuse a licence he shall give to the person applying for the licence the reasons for the proposed refusal and shall specify a period of not less than 28 days within which representations with respect to the proposed refusal may be made.

(7) The Secretary of State shall give a notice of any proposals that he may have to limit the number of licences that he grants, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient use and management of the electro-magnetic spectrum.

(8) A notice under this section shall be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of those likely to be affected by them, and a reference to such notice shall also be published in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes.

(9) In granting a licence and in determining any terms, provisions or limitations that a licence which may be issued is to be subject the Secretary of State shall ensure that the requirements of Articles 7 (scope) and 8 (conditions) of Directive 97/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common framework for general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services are complied with.]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 1D inserted (31.12.1997) by S.I.1997/2930, regs. 1, 4(1)(2).

Marginal Citations

M1 1984 c.12.

Valid from 31/12/1997

[F12 1E Variation or revocation of a licence U.K.

(1) Where the Secretary of State proposes to vary or revoke a licence he shall give to the person holding the licence a notice—

(a) stating the reasons for the proposed variation or revocation; and

(b) specifying a period not less than 28 days from the date of the notice within which representations with respect to the proposal may be made.

(2) If the proposal is the result of a breach of a term, provision or limitation of the licence—

(a) the notice given to the person holding the licence shall state that the proposal will be withdrawn or modified if the breach is remedied within the period of 28 days commencing with the date of the notice; and

(b) the Secretary of State shall within the period of 28 days following the period referred to in paragraph (a) confirm, modify or withdraw the proposal and give notice of the decision and the reasons for it to the person holding the licence.

(3) Subsection (1) shall not apply to prevent the variation or revocation of a licence within the period of 28 days referred to in subsection (1)(b) where the Secretary of State considers that—

(a) such decision is required to limit or prevent interference; or

(b) the person holding the licence has repeatedly breached a term, provision or limitation of the licence,

but in either case the Secretary of State shall review his decision in the light of any subsequent representations being received with respect to the variation or revocation within the said period of 28 days.

(4) Subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to any variation or revocation of a licence which appears to the Secretary of State to be requisite or expedient—

(a) in the interests of national security; or

(b) for the purposes of complying with a Community obligation of the United Kingdom or with any international agreement or arrangements to which the United Kingdom is a party.]

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 1E inserted (31.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2930, regs. 1, 4(1)(2).

Valid from 20/12/1999

[F13 1F Appeals U.K.

(1) This section shall apply to the following decisions of the Secretary of State taken on or after 20th December1999—

(a) a decision to grant or renew, or refuse to grant or renew, a licence under section 1;

(b) a decision to include within a licence particular terms, provisions or limitations;

(c) a decision with regard to the variation of any term, provision or limitation in a licence;

(d) a decision to revoke a licence;

(e) a decision under this Act or under section 84 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 with regard to the approval of any apparatus; and

(f) any other decision under this Act or a decision under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998 F14 in respect of which the rights or interests of a person who is authorised or who wishes to be authorised by a licence are materially affected.

(2) Subject to subsection (5) below, a person aggrieved by a decision to which this section applies may appeal against the decision on one or more of the following grounds—

(a) that a material error as to the facts has been made;

(b) that there was a material procedural error;

(c) that an error of law has been made; or

(d) that there was some other material illegality, including unreasonableness or lack of proportionality.

(3) In England and Wales and Northern Ireland, an appeal lies to the High Court, and in Scotland, an appeal lies to the Court of Session.

(4) The court determining an appeal may—

(a) dismiss the appeal; or

(b) quash the decision,

and where the court quashes a decision it may refer the matter to the Secretary of State with a direction to reconsider it and reach a decision in accordance with the findings of the court.

(5) No appeal under this section shall be brought unless the leave of the court has been obtained.

(6) An appeal under this section shall be brought without unreasonable delay and in any event not later than three months from the date on which the Secretary of State made his decision, or within such other period as may be specified by rules of court.

(7) The effect of a decision to which an appeal under this section relates shall not, except where the court so orders, be suspended in consequence of the bringing of the appeal.

(8) Any proceedings under this section in the Court of Session shall be before the Lord Ordinary.

(9) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a decision to which this section applies shall not be questioned in any legal proceedings whatsoever.]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 1F inserted (20.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3180, reg. 4(3)

F14 1998 c. 6.

2 Fees and charges for wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

(1) On the issue or renewal of a wireless telegraphy licence, and, where the regulations under this section so provided, at such times thereafter as may be prescribed by the regulations, there shall be [F15 paid to the [F16 Secretary of State] by the person][F15 paid—

(a) to the Secretary of State; or

(b) in the case of a television licence, to the BBC,

by the person] to whom the licence is issued such sums as may be prescribed by regulations to be made by the [F16 Secretary of State] with the consent of the Treasury, and different provision may be made in relation to different licences, according to the nature, terms, provisions, limitations and duration thereof:

Provided that the regulations made may contain provisions authorising, in such cases as are not otherwise dealt with by the regulations, the charge by the [F16 Secretary of State] of such sums, whether on the issue or renewal of the licence or subsequently, as may in the particular case appear to him to be proper, but this proviso shall not apply to licences of any type wholly or mainly intended to meet the needs of persons desiring to use, in a private dwelling-house and without making any charge to other persons, apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception).

(2) [F17 Notwithstanding any thing in the preceding subsection, where, upon an application made by a person ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for the issue or renewal of a wireless telegraphy licence to instal or use apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception), the [F16 Secretary of State] is satisfied, by means of a certificate issued by the local authority and produced to him by the applicant, that the applicant is a blind person not resident in a public or charitable institution or in a school, the [F16 Secretary of State] may [F18 dispense with the payment of the whole or part of any sum] which would otherwise be payable on the issue or renewal of the licence.]

[F17 Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1) of this section, where—

(a) an application for the issue or renewal of a television licence is made to the BBC by a person ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, and

(b) the BBC are satisfied, by means of a certificate issued by the local authority and produced to them by the applicant, that the applicant is a blind person not resident in a public or charitable institution or in a school,

the BBC shall, to such extent as the Secretary of State may determine, dispense with the payment of any sum which would otherwise be payable on the issue or renewal of the licence.]

In this subsection, the expression “blind person” means a person so blind as to be unable to perform any work for which eyesight is essential, and the expression “the local authority” means—

(a) in relation to any person ordinarily resident in England and Wales, the council of the county or county borough in which he is ordinarily resident;

(b) in relation to a person ordinarily resident in a large burgh in Scotland, the town council of that burgh;

(c) in relation to a person ordinarily resident eleswhere inScotland, the council of the county in which he is ordinarily resident;

(d) in relation to a person ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland, the [F19 Health and Social Services Board established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972] for the area in which he is ordinarily resident.

(3) Where sums will or may become payable under subsection (1) of this section subsequently to the issue or renewal of a licence, the [F16 Secretary of State] may, on the issue or renewal thereof, require such security to be given, by way of deposit or otherwise, for the payment of the sums which will or may become payable as he thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F15 “paid— (a)to the Secretary of State; or ...” substituted (1. 4. 1991) for from “paid to” to “by the person” by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 2(2)

F16 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F17 First paragraph of s. 2(2) substituted (1. 4. 1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 2(3)

F18 Words substituted by Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons) Act 1955 (4 & 5 Eliz. 2 c. 7, SIF 96), s. 1

F19 Words substituted by S.R. (N.I.) 1973/256, art. 3, Sch. 2

3 Regulations as to wireless telegraphy. U.K.

(1) The [F20 Secretary of State] may make regulations—

(a) prescribing the things which are to be done or are not to be done in connection with the use of any station for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus, and, in particular, requiring the use of any such station or apparatus to cease on the demand in that behalf of any such persons as may be prescribed by or under the regulations;

(b) imposing on the person to whom a wireless telegraphy licence is issued with respect to any station for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus, or who is in possession or control of any station for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus, obligations as to permitting and facilitating the inspection of the station and apparatus, as to the condition in which the station and apparatus are to be kept and, in the case of a station or apparatus for the establishment, installation or use of which a wireless telegraphy licence is necessary, as to the production of the licence, or of such other evidence of the licensing of the station or apparatus as may be prescribed by the regulations;

(c) where sums are or may become due from the person to whom a wireless telegraphy licence is issued after the issue or renewal thereof, requiring that person to keep and produce such accounts and records as may be specified in the regulations; and

(d) requiring the person to whom a wireless telegraphy licence authorising the establishment or use of a station has been issued to exhibit at the station such notices as may be specified in the regulations,

and different provision may be made by any such regulations for different classes of case:

Provided that nothing in any such regulations shall require any person to concede any form of right of entry into a private dwellinghouse for the purpose of permitting or facilitating the inspection of any apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception).

(2) Any person who contravenes any regulations made under this section, or causes or permits any station for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus to be used in contravention of any such regulations, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F20 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

[F21 3A Restriction on revocation or variation of certain wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, this section applies in any case where a wireless telegraphy licence is granted to any person who holds a licence granted under section 7 of the M2 Telecommunications Act 1984 (“the telecommunications licence”) authorising the running of a telecommunication system (“the system”), and the wireless telegraphy licence authorises all or any of the following, that is to say—

(a) the establishment of stations for wireless telegraphy or the installation of apparatus for wireless telegraphy, being stations or apparatus forming or intended to form part of the system;

(b) the use of any such stations or apparatus in running the system; and

(c) the installation and use for the purposes of the system (whether by the holder of the licence or by any other person) of any such apparatus connected or intended to be connected to the system.

(2) This section does not apply unless the telecommunications licence is one to which section 8 of that Act applies (licences including conditions imposing certain obligations with respect to the provision of telecommunications services or other matters).

(3) In any case to which this section applies the wireless telegraphy licence may include terms restricting the exercise by the Secretary of State of his power under section 1(4) of this Act to revoke or vary the licence.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3) above, the terms that may be included in a wireless telegraphy licence by virtue of that subsection include, in particular, terms providing that the licence may not be revoked or varied except with the consent of the holder of the licence or (as the case may be) in such other circumstances and on such grounds as may be specified in the licence.

(5) Any such circumstances or grounds may relate to matters relevant for the purposes of the M3 Telecommunications Act 1984 as well as to matters relevant for the purposes of this Act (and may, in particular, be dependent upon action taken under that Act in relation to the telecommunications licence).

(6) A wireless telegraphy licence containing any terms included in the licence by virtue of subsection (3) above may also provide that regulations made under section 3 of this Act—

(a) shall not apply in relation to any station or apparatus to which the licence relates; or

(b) shall apply in relation to any such station or apparatus to such an extent only, or subject to such modifications, as may be specified in the licence.

(7) Notwithstanding any terms or provisions included in a wireless telegraphy licence in accordance with this section the Secretary of State may at any time, by a notice in writing served on the holder of the licence, revoke the licence or vary its terms, provisions or limitations, if it appears to him to be requisite or expedient to do so in the interests of national security or relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom

(8) Expressions used in this section to which a meaning is given for the purposes of the M4 Telecommunications Act 1984 have the same meaning in this section; and section 106(4) of that Act (interpretation of power of Secretary of State to give a direction if it appears to him to be requisite or expedient to do so as mentioned in subsection (7) above) shall apply in relation to the power of the Secretary of State under subsection (7) above to revoke or vary a wireless telegraphy licence as it applies to any power of the Secretary of State under that Act to give such a direction.]

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 3A inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 74

Marginal Citations

M2 1984 c. 12(96).

M3 1984 c. 12(96).

M4 1984 c. 12 (96).

4 Experimental licenses. U.K.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, where an application for the grant or renewal of a wireless telegraphy licence is made to the [F22 Secretary of State]by a British subject and the [F22 Secretary of State] is satisfied that the only purpose for which the applicant requires the licence is to enable him to conduct experiments in wireless telegraphy for the purpose of scientific research, the [F22 Secretary of State] shall not refuse to grant or renew the licence and shall not revoke the licence when granted, and no sum shall be payable under the regulations under section two of this Act otherwise than on the issue or renewal of the licence.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall limit the discretion of the [F22 Secretary of State] as to the terms, provisions or limitations which he attaches to any licences or his power to vary the terms, provisions or limitations of any licence.

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall prevent the [F22 Secretary of State] from refusing to grant or renew, or from revoking, any licence if, whether before or after the grant or last renewal of the licence, the applicant has been convicted of any offence under this Part of this Act, whether in relation to the same or any other apparatus, or has contravened any of the terms, provisions or limitations of that or any other wireless telegraphy licence granted to him, or has been convicted under Part II of this Act of using any apparatus for the purpose of interfering with any wireless telegraphy.

(4) If it appears to the [F22 Secretary of State] that, by reason of the existence of a national emergency, it is expedient so to do, he may, by a notice in writing served on the holder of any licence granted in pursuance of this section, revoke that licence, or by a general notice published in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes, revoke all licences granted in pursuance of this section which are for the time being in force, and the [F22 Secretary of State] shall not be obliged by virtue of this section to grant or renew any licence, if it appears to him, by reason of the existence of such an emergency, inexpedient so to do.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

5 Misleading messages and interception and disclosure of messages. U.K.

Any person who—

(a) by means of wireless telegraphy, sends or attempts to send, any message which, to his knowledge, is false or misleading and is, to his knowledge, likely to prejudice the efficiency of any safety of life service or endanger the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle, and, in particular, any message which, to his knowledge, falsely suggests that a vessel or aircraft is in distress or in need of assistance or is not in distress or not in need of assistance; or

(b) otherwise than under the authority of the [F23 Secretary of State] or in the course of his duty as a servant of the Crown, either—

(i) uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message (whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not which neither the person using the apparatus nor any person on whose behalf he is acting is authorised by the [F23 Secretary of State] to receive; or

(ii) except in the course of legal proceedings or for the purpose of any report thereof, discloses any information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any such message, being information which would not have come to his knowledge but for the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus by him or by another person,

shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 5(a) amended (as to mode of trial) by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96) s. 75(1)(a)

C4 S. 5(b): certain functions made exercisable (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1

S. 5(b): transfer of certain functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2(1)

6 Territorial extent of preceding provisions. U.K.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the preceding provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply—

(a) to all stations and apparatus in or over, or for the time being in or over, the United Kingdom to the territorial waters adjacent thereto; and

(b) subject to any limitations which the [F24 Secretary of State] may by regulations determine, to all stations and apparatus on board any . . . F25 ship or . . . F25 aircraft which is registered in the United Kingdom but is not for the time being in or over the United Kingdom or the said territorial waters; and

(c) subject to any limitations which the [F24 Secretary of State] may by regulations determine, to all apparatus which is not in or over the United Kingdom or the said territorial waters but was released from within the United Kingdom or the said territorial waters, or from any . . . F25 ship or . . . F25 aircraft which is registered in the United Kingdom,

and, without prejudice to the liability of any other person, in the event of any contravention of the said preceding provisions or of any regulations made thereunder occurring in relation to any station or apparatus on board or released from any vessel or aircraft, the captain or the person for the time being in charge of the vessel or aircraft shall be guilty of an offence under this Act:

Provided that the captain or person for the time being in charge of a vessel or aircraft shall not be guilty of any offence under this Act by reason of any contravention of the said provisions or regulations occurring in relation to apparatus on board the vessel or aircraft if the contravention consists of the use by a passenger on board the ship or aircraft of apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception) which is not part of the wireless telegraphy apparatus, if any, of the ship or aircraft.

(2) The [F24 Secretary of State] may make regulations for regulating the use, on board any [F26 ship or aircraft which, not being registered in the United Kingdom, is registered in a country other than the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands while that ship or aircraft is] within the limits of the United Kingdom and the territorial waters adjacent thereto, of wireless telegraphy apparatus on board the ship or aircraft, and such regulations may provide for the punishment of persons contravening the regulations by [F27 a maximum fine for each offence of an amount not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, as defined in section 75 of the M5 Criminal Justice Act 1982, or of a lesser amount], and for the forfeiture of any wireless telegraphy apparatus in respect of which an offence under such regulations is committed; but, save as aforesaid [F28 or by virtue of an Order in Council under subsection (3) of this section], nothing in this Part of this Act shall operate so as to impose any prohibition or restriction on persons using wireless telegraphy apparatus on board any [F29 such ship or aircraft as aforesaid].

(3) His Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any reference in this section to any . . . F25 ship or aircraft registered in the United Kingdom shall be construed as including a reference to any F25 ship or aircraft registered in the Isle of Man, in any of the Channel Islands, or in any colony, British protectorate or British protected state, or registered under the law of any other country or territory outside the United Kingdom which is for the time being administered by His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F30

Textual Amendments

F24 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F25 Words repealed by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 9(2)(5)

F26 Words substituted by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 9(3)(a)(i), (5)

F27 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s.50

F28 Words inserted by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 9(3)(b), (5)

F29 Words substituted by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 9(3)(a)(ii) (5)

F30 S. 6(4) repealed by S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), Sch. 7

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 6 extended by S.I. 1954/488 (1954 II, p. 2370), art. 1; explained by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 9(2)(5); amended by ibid., s. 9(4); extended by ibid., ss. 10(3), 12

Marginal Citations

M5 1982 c 48(39:1).

7 †Powers of Postmaster General as to wireless personnel. U.K.

(1) The [F31 Secretary of State] may hold examinations to determine the competence of the persons examined to fill positions in connection with the operation of stations for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus and may issue to persons successful at such examinations certificates of competence of such types as he may from time to time determine.

(2) The [F31 Secretary of State] may issue so such persons as he thinks fit authorities in writing authorising the persons to whom the authorities are issued to fill such positions in connection with the operation of stations for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus as may be specified in the respective authorities, being positions for the holding of which the possession of such an authority is, under wireless telegraphy licences granted under this Act or under any licences granted under any corresponding law of any part of His Majesty’s dominions, a necessity or a qualification.

(3) The [F31 Secretary of State], if it appears to him that there are sufficient grounds so to do, may at any time suspend any authority granted under the last preceding subsection with a view to the revocation thereof, and where he so suspends an authority, the provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect.

(4) Where any authority granted under subsection (2) of this section has ceased to be in force or has been suspended, it shall be the duty of the person to whom the authority was issued, and of every other person in whose possession or under whose control the authority may be, to cause the authority to be surrendered to the [F31 Secretary of State] if required by the [F31 Secretary of State] so to do, and any person who without reasonable excuse fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

(5) The [F31 Secretary of State] may charge to persons applying to take part in any examination under this section, and to applicants for, or for copies of, any certificate or authority issued under this section, such fees, if any, as he may determine.

Textual Amendments

F31 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Unreliable marginal note

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F32 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 8 repealed by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. I

Part II U.K.

Special provisions as to interference U.K.

9 Advisory committee and appeal tribunal. U.K.

(1) For the purposes specified in this Part of this Act there shall be established—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F33

(b) a tribunal (in this Part of this Act referred to as “the appeal tribunal”).

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F34

(3) Subject to the provisions of this section, the appeal tribunal shall consist of—

(a) one person to be appointed by the Lord Chancellor who shall be a [F35 person who has a 7 year general qualification, within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990,] or a person who has held judicial office, and who shall act only as respects proceedings in England and Wales and shall as respects such proceedings be the president of the tribunal;

(b) one person to be appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session who shall be an advocate of not less than seven year’s standing or a solicitor of not less than seven years’ standing or a person who has held judicial office, and who shall act only as respects proceedings in Scotland and shall as respects such proceedings be the president of the tribunal;

(c) one person to be appointed by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland who shall be a barrister of not less than seven years’ standing or a solicitor of not less than seven years’ standing or a person who has held judicial office, and who shall act only as respects proceedings in Northern Ireland and shall as respects such proceedings be the president of the tribunal; and

(d) two assessors, to assist the president of the tribunal, to be appointed by the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers with the approval of the Council thereof, being persons who, in the opinion of the President of the said Institution, possess expert knowledge of the matters likely to come before the tribunal and are not members of the advisory committee.

(4) If, within such time, if any, as may be limited in that behalf by the rules regulating the procedure of the appeal tribunal, the parties to any particular case before the tribunal other than the [F36 Secretary of State] request the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers to appoint either one or two specially qualified assessors under this subsection, the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers shall, with the approval of the council thereof, select and appoint one or, as the case may be, two such assessors to act for that case, and the assessor or assessors so appointed shall act therefor accordingly in lieu of the assessors appointed under paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of this section, or, if the request is for the appointment of one specially qualified assessor and expresses a specific desire that he shall act in lieu of one only of the assessors appointed under the said paragraph (d), in lieu of such one of the assessors appointed under the said paragraph (d) as the President of the said Institution may select.

(5) If, in the case of any references or application to the appeal tribunal under section eleven of this Act, any of the parties or the president of the tribunal, within such time, if any, as may be limited in that behalf by the rules regulating the procedure of the tribunal, request the Lord Chancellor, if the proceedings are in England and Wales, or the Secretary of State, if the proceedings are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to appoint two additional members of the tribunal to act for that case, the Lord Chancellor or Secretary of State, as the case may be, shall select and apoint two persons, who need not possess any legal qualifications or expert knowledge, to act as additional members of the tribunal for that case, and the additional members so appointed shall act therefor accordingly in addition to the president and the assessors or assessor.

(6) The provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to the period for which members of the appeal tribunal are to hold office, the appointment of deputies in case of illness or inability to act, the incidental powers of the tribunal, their procedure and the enforcement and proof of their orders.

(7) The expenses incurred by . . . F37 appeal tribunal, to such extent as may be determined by the [F36 Secretary of State] with the consent of the Treasury, (including, . . . F37 such sums by way of fees to, and in respect of the expenses of, the members or persons acting as members thereof, as may be so determined) shall be [F38 paid by the [F36 Secretary of State]].

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 9(1)(a) repealed by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 7 Pt. IV

F34 S. 9(2) repealed by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 7 Pt. IV

F35 Words substituted by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 5), s. 71(2), Sch. 10 para. 8

F36 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F37 Words repealed by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 7 Pt. 7 Pt. IV

F38 Words substituted by Post Office Act 1961 (c. 15), Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 9(5) restricted (31.3.1995) by 1993 c. 8, s. 26(8)(a) (with Sch. 7 paras. 2(2), 3(2), 4); S.I. 1995/631, art. 2.

10 Regulations as to radiation of electromagnetic energy, etc. U.K.

(1) The [F39 Secretary of State] may, . . . F40 make regulations for both or either of the following purposes that is to say—

(a) for prescribing the requirements to be complied with in the case of any apparatus to which this section applies if the apparatus is to be used;

(b) for prescribing the requirements to be complied with in the case of any apparatus to which this section applies if the apparatus is to be sold otherwise than for export, or offered or advertised for sale otherwise than for export, or let on hire or offered or advertised for letting on hire, by any person who in the course of business manufactures, assembles or imports such apparatus.

(2) The said requirements shall be such requirements as the [F39 Secretary of State] thinks fit for the purpose of ensuring that the use of the apparatus does not cause undue interference with wireless telegraphy, and may in particular include—

(a) requirements as to the maximum intensity of electro-magnetic energy of any specified frequencies which may be radiated in any direction from the apparatus while it is being used; and

(b) in the case of an apparatus the power for which is supplied from electric lines, requirements as to the maximum electro-magnetic energy of any specified frequencies which may be injected into those lines by the apparatus,

and, in so far as appears to the [F39 Secretary of State] necessary or expedient in the case of the regulations in question, different requirements may be prescribed for different circumstances and in relation to different classes or descriptions of apparatus, different districts or places and different times of use.

(3) The apparatus to which this section applies shall be such apparatus as may be specified in the regulations made thereunder, being apparatus generating, or designed to generate, or liable to generate fortuitously, electro-magnetic energy at frequencies of not more than three million megacycles per second, . . . F41

The references in this subsection to apparatus include references to any form of electric line, and other references in this Act to apparatus shall be construed accordingly.

(4) It shall not be unlawful for any person to use any apparatus to which this section applies or to sell any such apparatus or offer or advertise it for sale or let it on hire or offer or advertise it for letting on hire by reason only that it does not comply with the requirements applicable under any regulations made under this section, but the non-compliance shall be a ground for the giving of a notice under the next succeeding section or under section twelve of this Act, as the case may be.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F40 Words repealed by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 7 Pt. 7 Pt. IV

F41 Words repealed by Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72, SIF 96), s. 10(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Power to exclude s. 10 conferred by S.I. 1965/1536, art. 7(d)

C9 S. 10 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 7(2)

11 Enforcement of regulations as to use of apparatus. U.K.

(1) If the [F42 Secretary of State] is of opinion—

(a) that any apparatus does not comply with the requirements applicable to it under regulations made for the purpose specified in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of the last preceding section; and

(b) that either—

(i) the use of the apparatus is likely to cause undue interference with any wireless telegraphy used for the purposes of any safety of life service or for any purpose on which the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle may depend; or

(ii) the use of the apparatus is likely to cause undue interference with any other wireless telegraphy and in fact has caused or is causing such interference in a case where he considers that all reasonable steps to minimize interference have been taken in relation to the station or apparatus receiving the telegraphy,

he may serve on the person in whose possession the apparatus is a notice in writing requiring that, after a date fixed by the notice, not being less than twenty-eight days from the date of the service thereof, the apparatus shall not be used, whether by the person to whom the notice is given or otherwise, or, if the [F42 Secretary of State] thinks fit so to frame the notice, shall only be used in such manner, at such times and in such circumstances as may be specified in the notice:

Provided that—

(i)

if before the date fixed by the notice, a notice is given under subsection (3) of this section requiring the [F42 Secretary of State] to refer the matter to the appeal tribunal, the [F42 Secretary of State’s] notice shall not operate until the termination of the proceedings before the tribunal, and any notice given under this subsection by the [F42 Secretary of State] (other than a notice to which paragraph (ii) of this proviso applies) shall be framed accordingly;

(ii)

if the [F42 Secretary of State] is satisfied that the use of the apparatus in question is likely to cause undue interference with any wireless telegraphy used for the purposes of any safety of life service or for any purpose on which the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle may depend, the date to be fixed by the notice may be the date of the service thereof, and paragraph (i) of this proviso shall not apply.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) of this section may be revoked or varied by a subsequent notice in writing by the [F42 Secretary of State] served on the person in whose possession the apparatus then is:

Provided that where a notice under this subsection has the effect of imposing any additional restrictions on the use of the apparatus, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section relating to the coming into force of notices shall apply in relation to the notice as if it had been a notice served under the said subsection (1).

(3) Where notice has been given under subsection (1) of this section, any person having possession of or any interest in the aparatus to which the notice relates may at any time (whether before or after the date fixed by the said notice), by notice in writing served on the [F42 Secretary of State], require the [F42 Secretary of State] to refer the matter to the appeal tribunal, and the [F42 Secretary of State], unless he revokes his notice or modifies it to the satisfaction of the said person, shall refer the matter to the tribunal accordingly.

This subsection applies in relation to a notice under subsection (1) of this section which has been varied by a subsequent notice as it applies in relation to a notice which has not been so varied.

(4) On any such reference, the tribunal shall hear the [F42 Secretary of State] and the person at whose instance the reference was made and any other person appearing to them to be interested who desires to be heard, and has, in accordance with the rules regulating the procedure of the tribunal, procured himself to be made a party to the reference, and—

(a) if they are satisfied that the apparatus in question complies with requirements applicable to it under the regulations, shall direct the [F42 Secretary of State] to revoke the notice;

(b) if they are satisfied that the said requirements ought properly to be relaxed in relation to the apparatus, may direct the [F42 Secretary of State] to revoke the notice or to vary it in such manner as may be specified in the direction,

and the [F42 Secretary of State] shall revoke or vary the notice accordingly:

Provided that the making by the tribunal of a direction under this subsection or the refusal by the tribunal to make a direction under this subsection shall not prevent any such person as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section from giving a further notice under subsection (3) of this section and shall not, where the [F42 Secretary of State] is of opinion that there has been a relevant change in the circumstances, prevent the [F42 Secretary of State] from giving a further notice under subsectiion (1) or subsection (2) of this section.

(5) A direction given under subsection (4) of this section may be absolute, or may be conditional on such steps being taken in relation to the apparatus, or on the apparatus being made to comply with such requirements, as may be specified in the direction, and any question whether or not those steps have been taken or, as the case may be, whether or not the apparatus has been made to comply with those requirements, shall, on the application of the [F42 Secretary of State] or of any person having possession of or any interest in the apparatus, be determined by the tribunal.

(6) Where any matter is referred to the tribunal under subsection (3) of this section or any application is made to the tribunal under the last preceding subsection, the tribunal shall, unless the parties otherwise agree, sit in England and Wales, in Scotland or in Northern Ireland, according to the place where the apparatus was at the date of the reference or application, and in some place which in the judgment of the tribunal is reasonably near to the place where the apparatus was as aforesaid.

(7) Any person who, knowing that a notice of the [F42 Secretary of State] under this section is in force with respect to any apparatus, uses that apparatus, or causes or permits it to be used, in contravention of the notice shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F42 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

12 Enforcement of regulations as to sales, etc., by manufacturers and others. U.K.

(1) If the [F43 Secretary of State] is of opinion that any apparatus does not comply with the requirements applicable to it under regulations made for the purpose specified in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section ten of this Act, he may serve on any person who has manufactured, assembled or imported the apparatus in the course of business a notice in writing prohibiting him from selling the apparatus, otherwise than for export, or offering or advertising it for sale, otherwise than for export, or letting it on hire or offering or advertising it for letting on hire.

(2) Where a notice has been served under subsection (1) of this section, the person on whom the notice has been served may, by notice in writing served on the [F43 Secretary of State], require the [F43 Secretary of State] to refer the matter to the appeal tribunal and the [F43 Secretary of State], unless he revokes the notice shall refer the matter to the tribunal accordingly.

(3) On any such reference, the tribunal shall hear the [F43 Secretary of State] and the person at whose instance the reference was made and any other person appearing to them to be interested who desires to be heard and has, in accordance with the rules regulating the procedure of the tribunal, procured himself to be made a party to the reference, and, if they are satisfied that the apparatus in question complies with the requirements applicable to it under the regulations, shall direct the [F43 Secretary of State] to revoke the notice and he shall revoke it accordingly:

Provided that the making by the tribunal of a direction under this subsection shall not, where the apparatus is subsequently altered, prevent the [F43 Secretary of State] from serving a fresh notice under subsection (1) of this section with respect to the apparatus and the refusal by the tribunal to make a direction under this subsection shall not, where the apparatus is subsequently altered, prevent the [F43 Secretary of State] from revoking the notice or the person on whom the notice was served from giving a further notice under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The provisions of subsection (6) of section eleven of this Act shall apply in relation to any reference under this section as they apply in relation to any reference under subsection (3) of that section.

(5) Where a notice has been served under subsection (1) of this section, the person on whom the notice has been served shall, if he contravenes the provisions of the notice without the notice having been previously revoked by the [F43 Secretary of State], be guilty of an offence under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

[F44 12A Regulations with respect to resistance to interference. U.K.

(1) This section applies to wireless telegraphy apparatus and to any apparatus and to any apparatus designed or adapted for use in connection with wireless telegraphy apparatus.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe requirements (referred to below in this section as technical requirements) to be complied with in the case of apparatus to which this section applies of any class or description specified in the regulations.

(3) The technical requirements prescribed in respect of any apparatus shall be such as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate for the purpose of minimising so far as practicable the risk of interference, arising from the lawful use of any other apparatus, with any wireless telegraphy the apparatus to which the requirements apply (or any apparatus used in connection with it) is designed or adapted to receive.

(4) The Secretary of State shall not by regulations under this section prescribe any technical requirements unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that those requirements are compatible with the international obligations of the United Kingdom; and where any statutory instrument containing such regulations contains a statement that the Secretary of State is so satisfied, that statement shall be evidence (and, in Scotland, sufficient evidence) of that fact.

(5) Subject to subsection (6) of this section, any person who in the course of business—

(a) sells otherwise than for export or offers for sale otherwise than for export any apparatus which does not comply with the technical requirements applicable to it under regulations made under this section; or

(b) lets on hire or offers to let on hire any such apparatus; or

(c) indicates (whether by display of the apparatus or by any form of advertisement) his willingness to do anything in relation to any such apparatus that falls within paragraph (a) or (b) above;

shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

(6) In proceedings for an offence under this section brought against any person other than one who in the course of business has manufactured, assembled or imported the apparatus to which the proceedings relate it shall be a defence for the accused to show that he did not know and could not with reasonable care have ascertained that the apparatus did not comply with the requirements in question.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 12A inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 78

13 Deliberate interference. U.K.

(1) Any person who uses any apparatus for the purpose of interfering with any wireless telegraphy shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

(2) This section shall apply whether or not the apparatus in question is wireless telegraphy apparatus or apparatus to which any of the preceding provisions of this Part of this Act apply, and whether or not any notice under section eleven or section twelve of this Act has been given with respect to the apparatus, or, if given, has been varied or revoked.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 14 amended by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75 (2) (3) and S.I. 1984/703(N.I. 3), arts. 4(7)

C11 S. 13 amended (as to mode of trial ) by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75 (1)(b), (3)

Part III U.K.

Supplemental U.K.

14 Penalties and legal proceedings. U.K.

[F45 (1) Any person committing—

[F46 (aa) any offence under section 1(1) of this Act other than one falling within subsection (1A)(a) of this section;

(ab) any offence under section 1A of this Act other than one falling within subsection (1A)(aa) of this section;

(ac) any offence under section 1B or 1C of this Act;]

(a) any offence under section 5(a) of this Act; or

(b) any offence under section 13 of this Act;

shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both, or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.

(1A) Any person committing—

(a) any offence under section 1(1) of this Act consisting in the installation or use, otherwise than under and in accordance with a wireless telegraphy licence, of any apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception); or

[F47 (aa) any offence under section 1A of this Act committed in relation to any wireless telegraphy apparatus not designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception);]

(b) any offence under section 3(2) of this Act consisting in a contravention, in relation to any such apparatus, of any regulations made under that section; or

(c) any offence under section 11(7) or 12(5) of this Act involving or consisting in a contravention of a notice of the Secretary of State in relation to any apparatus, not being apparatus the use of which is likely to cause undue interference with any wireless telegraphy used for the purpose of any safety of life service or any purpose on which the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle may depend; or

(d) any offence under section 1(5) or 7(4) of this Act; or

(e) any offence under section 12A of this Act; or

(f) any offence under this Act which is an offence under section 5 or 8(2) of the M6 Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (failure to comply with notices under Part I of that Act, giving false information, etc.);

shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(1B) Any person committing—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F48

(b) any offence under section 11(7) of this Act other than one within subsection (1A)(c) of this section;

shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exeeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both.

(1C) Any person committing any other offence under this Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.]

(2) Where any offence under this Act has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless he proves that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance, and that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and in all the circumstances.

In this subsection the expression “director”, in relation to any body corporate established by or under any enactment for the purpose of carrying on under national ownership any industry or part of an industry or undertaking, being a body corporate whose affairs are managed by the members thereof, means a member of that body.

[F49 (3) Where a person is convicted of—

(a) an offence under this Act consisting in any contravention of any of the provisions of Part I of this Act in relation to any station for wireless telegraphy or any wireless telegraphy apparatus (including an offence under section 1B or 1C of this Act) or in the use of any apparatus for the purpose of interfering with any wireless telegraphy;

(b) any offence under section 12A of this Act;

(c) any offence under the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967; or

(d) any offence under this Act which is an offence under section 7 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (whether as originally enacted or as substituted by section 77 of the Telecommunications Act 1984),

the court may, in addition to any other penalty, order such of the following things to be forfeited to the Secretary of State as the court considers appropriate, that is to say—

(i) any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, or any structure or other object, which was used in connection with the commission of the offence;

(ii) any wireless telegraphy apparatus or other apparatus in relation to which the offence was committed or which was used in connection with the commission of it;

(iii) any wireless telegraphy apparatus or other apparatus not falling within paragraph (ii) above which was, at the time of the commission of the offence, in the possession or under the control of the person convicted of the offence and was intended to be used (whether or not by that person) in connection with the making of any broadcast or other transmission that would contravene section 1 of this Act or any provision of the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967.

(3AA) The power conferred by virtue of subsection (3)(a) above does not apply in a case where the offence is any such offence as is mentioned in subsection (1A)(a) or (aa) above.

(3AB) References in subsection (3)(ii) or (iii) above to apparatus other than wireless telegraphy apparatus include references to—

(a) recordings;

(b) equipment designed or adapted for use—

(i) in making recordings; or

(ii) in reproducing from recordings any sounds or visual images; and

(c) equipment not falling within paragraphs (a) and (b) above but connected, directly or indirectly, to wireless telegraphy apparatus.]

[F50 (3A) Without prejudice to the operation of subsection (3) of this section in relation to any other apparatus, where a person is convicted of an offence under this Act involving restricted apparatus, the court shall order the apparatus to be forfeited to the Secretary of State unless the accused or any person claiming to be the owner of or otherwise interested in the apparatus shows cause why the apparatus should not be forfeited.

Apparatus is restricted apparatus for the purposes of this subsection if custody or control of apparatus of any class or description to which it belongs is for the time being restricted by an order under section 7 of the M7 Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967.

(3B) Apparatus may be ordered to be forfeited under this section notwithstanding that it is not the property of the person by whom the offence giving rise to the forfeiture was committed, and any apparatus ordered to be forfeited under this section may be disposed of by the Secretary of State in such manner as he thinks fit.

(3C) Subsections (3) to (3B) of this section have effect notwithstanding anything in section 140 of the M8 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 or Article 58 of the M9 Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.

(3D) The court by whom any apparatus is ordered to be forfeited under this section may also order the person by whom the offence giving rise to the forfeiture was committed not to dispose of that apparatus except by delivering it up to the Secretary of State within forty-eight hours of being so required by him.

(3E) If a person against whom an order is made under subsection (3D) of this section contravenes that order or fails to deliver up the apparatus to the Secretary of State as required he shall be guilty of a further offence under this Act which, for the purpose of determining the appropriate penalty in accordance with the provisions of this section relating to penalties [F51 , shall be treated as an offence committed under the same provision, and at the same time,] as the offence for which the forfeiture was ordered.]

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F52

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F53

(6) Without prejudice to the right to bring separate proceedings for contraventions of this Act taking place on separate occasions, a person who is convicted of an offence under this Act consisting in the use of any station or apparatus, or in a failure or refusal to cause any licence or authority to be surrendered, shall, where the use, or failure or refusal continues after the conviction, be deemed to commit a separate offence in respect of every day on which the use, failure or refusal so continues.

(7) Nothing in the preceding provisions of this section shall limit any right of any person to bring civil proceedings in respect of the doing or apprehended doing of anything rendered unlawful by any provision of this Act, and, without prejudice to the generality of the preceding words, compliance with the provisions of this Act contraventions of which are declared to be offences under this Act shall be enforceable by civil proceedings by the Crown for an injunction or for any other appropriate relief.

In the application of this subsection to Scotland, for the words “civil proceedings by the Crown for an injunction” there shall be substituted the words “civil proceedings by the Lord Advocate for an interdict”.

[F54 (8) In this section “the statutory maximum” and “the standard scale”—

(a) as respects England and Wales and Scotland, have the meanings respectively given by sections 74 and 75 of the M10 Criminal Justice Act 1982; and

(b) as respects Northern Ireland, have the same meanings respectively as they have by virtue of those sections . . . F55 .

(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F56 ]

Textual Amendments

F45 S. 14(1)(1A)–(1C) substituted for s. 14(1) by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75(2)(3), Sch. 3 para. 1

F46 Paras. (aa)(ab)(ac) inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 172(2)

F47 Para. (aa) inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 172(3)

F48 S. 14(1B)(a) repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 4(6), 87(6), 134, 203(3), Sch. 12 Pt. II para. 1, Sch. 21

F49 S. 14(3)(3AA)(3AB) substituted for s. 14(3) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 172(4)

F50 S. 14(3A)–(3E) substituted for s. 14(3) by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 82

F51 Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 172(5)

F52 S. 14(4) repealed by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. II

F53 S. 14(5) repealed by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. I

F54 S. 14(8) (as originally enacted) repealed by Northern Ireland Act 1962 (c. 30, SIF 29:3),Sch. 4 Pt. IV and s. 14(8)(9) added at the end of s. 14 by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75(2)(3), Sch. 3 para. 2

F55 Words repealed by S.I. 1986/1883, art. 13(3), Sch. 5

F56 S. 14(9) repealed by S.I. 1986/1883, art. 13(3), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 14 amended by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75 (2) (3) and S.I. 1984/703(N.I. 3), arts. 4(7)

Marginal Citations

M6 1967 c. 72(96).

M7 1967 c. 72(96).

M8 1980 c. 43(82).

M9 1981/1675 (N.I. 26).

M10 1982 c. 48(39:1).

15 Entry and search of premises, etc. U.K.

(1) If, in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, a justice of the peace, or, in Scotland, the sheriff, is satisfied by information on oath that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence under this Act [F57 or under the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967] has been or is being committed, and that evidence of the commission of the offence is to be found on any premises specified in the information, or in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft so specified, he may grant a search warrant [F58 authorising any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the [F59 Secretary of State]][F58 authorising—

(a) any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the Secretary of State; or

(b) where the offence relates to the installation or use of a television receiver, any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the BBC or the Secretary of State,] . . . F60 with or without any constables, to enter, at any time within one month from the date of the warrant, the premises specified in the information or, as the case may be, the vehicle, vessel or aircraft so specified and any premises upon which it may be, and to search the premises, or, as the case may be, the vehicle, vessel or aircraft, and to examine and test any apparatus found on the premises, vessel, vehicle or aircraft.

(2) If, in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, a justice of the peace, or, in Scotland, the sheriff, is satisfied upon an application supported by sworn evidence—

(a) that there is reasonable ground for believing that, on any specified premises or in any specified vessel, aircraft or vehicle, apparatus to which section ten of this Act applies is to be found which does not comply with the requirements applicable to it under regulations made under that section; and

(b) that it is necessary to enter those premises, or that vessel, aircraft or vehicle, for the purpose of obtaining such information as will enable the [F59 Secretary of State] to decide whether or not to serve a notice under section eleven or section twelve of this Act; and

(c) that access to the premises, vessel, aircraft or vehicle for the purpose of obtaining such information as aforesaid has, within fourteen days before the date of the application to the justice or sheriff, been demanded by a person authorised in that behalf by the [F59 Secretary of State] and producing sufficient documentary evidence of his identity and authority, but has been refused,

the justice or sheriff may issue a written authorisation under his hand empowering any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the [F59 Secretary of State] . . . F61 , with or without any constables, to enter the premises, or, as the case may be, the vessel, aircraft or vehicle and any premises on which it may be and to search the premises, vessel, aircraft or vehicle with a view to discovering whether any such apparatus as aforesaid is situate thereon or therein, and, if he finds or they find any such apparatus thereon, or therein, to examine and test it with a view to obtaining such information as aforesaid:

Provided that an authorisation shall not be issued under this subsection unless either—

(i)

it is shown to the justice or sheriff that the [F59 Secretary of State] is satisfied that there is reasonable ground for believing that the use of the apparatus in question is likely to cause undue interference with any wireless telegraphy used for the purposes of any safety of life service or any purpose on which the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle may depend; or

(ii)

it is shown to the justice or sheriff that not less than seven days’ notice of the demand for access was served on the occupier of the premises, or, as the case may be, the person in possession or the person in charge of the vessel, aircraft or vehicle, and that the demand was made at a reasonable hour and was unreasonably refused.

[F62 (2A) Without prejudice to any power exercisable by him apart from this subsection, a person authorised by the Secretary of State or (as the case may be) by the BBC to exercise any power conferred by this section may use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of that power.]

(3) Where under this section a person has a right to examine and test any apparatus on any premises or in any vessel, aircraft or vehicle, it shall be the duty of any person who is on the premises, or is in charge of, or in or in attendance on, the vessel, aircraft or vehicle, to give him any such assistance as he may reasonably require in the examination or testing of the apparatus.

(4) Any person who—

(a) [F63 intentionally] obstructs any person in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under this section; or

(b) [F64 without reasonable excuse] fails or refuses to give any such person any assistance which he is under this section under a duty to give to him; or

(c) discloses, otherwise than for the purposes of this Act or of any report of proceedings thereunder, any information obtained by means of the exercise of powers under this Act, being information with regard to any manufacturing process or trade secret,

shall be guilty of an offence under this Act, . . . F65

Textual Amendments

F57 Words inserted as provided by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 173(1)

F58 Words substituted (1.4.1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 3

F59 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

F60 Words repealed as provided by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 173(1)

F61 Words repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 134, 173(2), 203(3), Sch. 12 Pt. II para. 1, Sch. 21

F62 S. 15(2A) inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 173(3)

F63 Word inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 92(2)(a)

F64 Words inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 92(2)(b)

F65 Words repealed by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. II

16 Regulations and orders. U.K.

(1) Any Order in Council under this Act may be revoked or varied by a subsequent Order in Council.

(2) The power to make orders conferred on the [F66 Secretary of State] by section eight of this Act and any power conferred on him by any of the provisions of this Act to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, and any statutory instrument made in the exercise of any of the said powers shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F66 Words substituted by virtue of Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(1) and S.I. 1974/691, arts. 2, 3(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 16(2) repealed, so far as relating to the power conferred by s. 8 of this Act, by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. I

17 Financial provisions. U.K.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F67 any fines imposed for offences under this Act, shall be paid into the Exchequer.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F68

Textual Amendments

F67 Words substituted by Post Office Act 1961 (c. 15), Sch.

F68 S. 17(2) repealed by S.R. (N.I.) 1973/256, art. 3, Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 17(1) restricted by Northern Ireland Act 1962 (c. 30, SIF 29:3), Sch. 2

18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F69 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F69 S. 18 repealed by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 8 Pt. I

19 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires, the expression “wireless telegraphy” means the emitting or receiving, over paths which are not provided by any material substance constructed or arranged for that purpose, of electromagnetic energy of a frequency not exceeding three million megacycles a second, being energy which either—

(a) serves for the conveying of messages, sound or visual images (whether the messages, sound or images are actually received by any person or not), or for the actuation or control of machinery or apparatus; or

(b) is used in connection with the determination of position, bearing or distance, of for the gaining of information as to the presence, absence, position or motion of any object or any objects of any class,

and references to stations for wireless telegraphy and apparatus for wireless telegraphy or wireless telegraphy apparatus shall be construed as references to stations and apparatus for the emitting or receiving as aforesaid of such electro-magnetic energy as aforesaid: F70

(2) In this Act, the expression “station for wireless telegraphy” includes the wireless telegraphy apparatus of a ship or aircraft, and the expression “electric line” has the same meaning as in the M11 [F71 Electric Lighting Act 1882.][F71 The Electricity Act 1989]

[F72 (2A) In this Act—

• “the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation; and

• “television licence” and “television receiver” have the meaning given by section 1(7) of this Act.]

(3) Any reference in this Act to the emission of electro-magnetic energy, or to emission (as opposed to reception), shall be construed as including a reference to the deliberate reflection of electro-magnetic energy by means of any apparatus designed or specially adapted for that purpose, whether the reflection is continuous or intermittent.

(4) In this Act, the expression “interference,” in relation to wireless telegraphy, means the prejudicing by any emission or reflection of electro-magnetic energy of the fulfilment of the purposes of the telegraphy (either generally or in part, and, without prejudice to the generality of the preceding words, as respects all, or as respects any, of the recipients or intended recipients of any message, sound or visual image intended to be conveyed by the telegraphy), and the expression “interfere” shall be construed accordingly

(5) In considering for any of the purposes of this Act, whether, in any particular case, any interference with any wireless telegraphy caused or likely to be caused by the use of any apparatus, is or is not undue interference, regard shall be had to all the known circumstances of the case and the interference shall not be regarded as undue interference if so to regard it would unreasonably cause hardship to the person using or desiring to use the apparatus.

(6) Any reference in this Act to the sending or the conveying of messages includes a reference to the making of any signal or the sending or conveying of any warning or information, and any reference to the reception of messages shall be construed accordingly.

(7) In this Act, the expressions “ship” and “vessel” have the meanings respectively assigned to them by section seven hundred and forty-two of the M12 Merchant Shipping Act 1894.

(8) References in this Act to apparatus on board a ship or vessel include references to apparatus on a kite or captive balloon flown from a ship or vessel.

(9) Any notice required or authorised by any provision of this Act to be served on any person may be served by registered post.

(10) Any reference in this Act to any other enactment shall, except so far as the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F70 Proviso repealed by Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984 (c. 46, SIF 96), Sch. 6

F71 “The Electricity Act 1989” substituted (E.W.S.) for “the Electric Lighting Act, 1882” by Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29, SIF 44:1), s. 112(1)(3), Sch. 16 para. 6, Sch. 17 paras. 33, 35(1)

F72 S. 19(2A) inserted (1. 4. 1991) by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 180, Sch. 18 Pt. I para. 4

Marginal Citations

M11 1882 c. 56(44:1).

M12 1894 c. 60(111).

20 Short title and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949.

(2) It is hereby declared that this Act extends to Northern Ireland.

(3) His Majesty may by Order in Council direct that all or any of the provisions of this Act shall extend to the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands with such adaptations and modifications, if any, as may be specified in the Order.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 20(3) extended by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 174

S. 20(3) extended (18.6.1998) by 1998 c. 6, ss. 9(2), 10(2)

C16 S. 20(3) extended by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), s. 3(6)