I can't say what laws are still on the books in England but here in Canada it is still unlawful to possess a transmitter unless you are duly licensed. From our Radio Act R2, Section 4 - prohibitions:
(1) No person shall, except under and in accordance with a radio authorization, install, operate or possess radio apparatus, other than
(a) radio apparatus exempted by or under regulations made under paragraph 6(1)(m); or
(b) radio apparatus that is capable only of the reception of broadcasting and that is not a distribution undertaking.
Having said that I feel the feds have no money, time, or inclination to pursue people unless they are causing interference. Like many laws here that are still on the books, it's one of those just-in-case things.
What "is capable" is up to interpretation as well. Some people think pulling the fuse or output tube is sufficient however the set may be capable of transmitting by replacing the item. Where's a lawyer when you need one.
