§ 25. Sir I. Fraserasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if, in view of the fact that a combined licence is issued for television and radio at an inclusive fee of £3, he will allow a family in which there is a blind person an abatement of £1 under the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Act, 1926.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy noble Friend will give this suggestion sympathetic consideration, but it would require fresh legislation.
§ Sir I. FraserWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that sympathetic reply, may I ask him this? To avoid these blind persons, to whom he wishes to make a concession, waiting for it, would the Government give facilities if I were to introduce a Bill under the Ten Minutes Rule, bearing in mind that the original concession was obtained by that means about 30 years ago, with the assent of Members in all parts of the House?
§ Sir E. BoyleIt is open to my hon. Friend to ask leave to introduce a Bill under the Ten Minutes Rule whenever he pleases.
§ Mr. Edward EvansWill the Minister give consideration, similar to that which is given to blind persons, to the remission of the licence fee in respect of television for deaf people?
§ Sir E. BoyleThat is another question, but I will see that the Assistant Postmaster-General is made aware of it.
§ Mr. H. HyndWhy should all the members of a family get a reduction because there is one person in the house who cannot see a television set?
§ Sir E. BoyleThat is also another question.
§ Sir I. FraserDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that there is no question of giving a concession to the rest of the family? It is a question of not depriving the blind man of the £1 which Parliament meant him to have.