HC Deb 07 December 1966 vol 737 cc1329-31
44. Mr. Ellis

asked the Postmaster-General what is his estimate of the numbers of people evading the television licence fee in the Bristol area; what percentage this number is of the total number or estimated number of sets in the area; and how this compares with the national numbers.

45. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Postmaster-General what estimate he has made of the number of television sets in Scotland being operated without licences; and what steps he is taking to deal with the culprits.

60. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation requiring wireless and television licences to be produced when television sets are sold or rented.

Mr. Short

As I told my hon. Friends the Members for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) and The Hartlepools (Mr. Leadbitter) on 16th November, I am discussing with the various trade associations concerned ways of enlisting their mem- bers' help. I intend to bring legislation before Parliament at an early date. I have made no estimates of the number of licence evaders in particular areas. The national number is estimated at 2 million.—[Vol. 736, Col. 127.]

Mr. Ellis

Will my right hon. Friend, in recognition of the anti-social nature of this offence, take immediate steps to enforce the existing arrangements? Many people are getting an excellent service, and excellent enjoyment, while a rather large selfish minority is getting the service without paying for it, and this should be stopped.

Mr. Short

I agree about the small selfish minority. The fact is that 12s. of the licence fee goes to make up for what is lost by people avoiding paying for licences. There is no method of enforcing it rigidly at the present time, and I shall very soon bring legislation before the House to deal with this.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend say what has been the increase in the last few months in the number of detector vans available, first, in England and Wales, and, secondly, in Scotland? Does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be a sound investment to increase the number still further if this will result in a considerable increase in detection?

Mr. Short

Yes, Sir. We are at present doubling the number from six to twelve. I am not sure how far we had got and and how many of these are in service.

Mr. Allaun

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that rental companies should be required immediately to notify the Post Office of their current subscribers? Secondly, does my right hon. Friend agree that contact with retailers could help to avoid £10 million worth of evasion a year, which is most unfair to those who pay their licence fees?

Mr. Short

I agree with the hon. Member's second point. With regard to the first, this is an idea that we are looking at, and it is probably one that we shall adopt.

Mr. Kitson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people in my constituency pay their television licence fee but cannot get any reception?

Mr. Short

This is a perpetual problem which has bothered Governments ever since we have had broadcasting. I understand that the hon. Gentleman has a Question down on the subject.

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