HC Deb 09 November 1955 vol 545 cc1830-1
24. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will provide facilities to enable broadcast receiving and other annual licences of like nature issued by his Department to be payable by bankers' order.

Dr. Hill

Payment for broadcast receiving licences may already be made by bankers' orders. The system could not be used for Road Fund licences, and to apply it to dog, game and gun licences would create unnecessary additional work.

Mr. Hill

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, might I suggest—

Hon. Members

Question.

Mr. Hill

Would my right hon. Friend consider trying to devise a method whereby as many of these annual payments as possible could be synchronised and dealt with in one transaction?

Dr. Hill

It is difficult to answer so general a question. In the individual case of receiving licences it is practicable, and it is done. In the other cases there is no widespread demand, and considerable administrative difficulties lie in the way.

Mr. Gower

On a point of order. May I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker, to try to avoid this constant shouting of the word "Question"? Is there not such a thing as an interrogatory statement which can be construed as a Question?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is asking me to give an abstract decision. That I always refrain from doing. I judge each question on its merits.

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