§ 53. Mr. Crouchasked the Postmaster-General the number of licensed television sets in the United Kingdom on 1st October, 1951; and the number at the last convenient date.
Dr. HillThere were 958,333 television licences in force on 1st October, 1951, and 4,503,766 on 31st March, 1955.
§ Mr. CrouchDoes not this reflect upon the very high earnings and wages of people in this country?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWould the Minister not agree that television sets are too dear, that a good many of the component parts are under the control of monopoly, and does he not think it is time that the Government removed their Hire-Purchase Order which makes it impossible for low wage earners to buy sets?
Dr. HillI am asked in this Question about the number of licences for television sets, and I have given the figures, which show a most extraordinary growth.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWould not the Minister agree that it was obvious to anyone that the stations which were being erected in 1951 were not able to provide a television service in the North and that therefore there was no need for the people to buy a licence but that as and when the stations started by the Labour Government were completed people were able to have sets?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWould the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the B.B.C. has done a very good job in making television available to so many people?
§ 56. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Postmaster-General how many television licences were issued in the County of Norfolk, including the City of Norwich, during the years 1952, 1953 and 1954, and as at the latest convenient date.
Dr. HillOne thousand eight hundred television licences were issued in the County of Norfolk in 1952, 3,700 in 1953, and 5,200 in 1954. The number current at the 31st March this year was 10,700.
§ Sir F. MedlicottDo not these figues prove the need which existed for a special station in the County of Norfolk and show the gratifying response which has followed its installation?