HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc645-7
9. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Postmaster-General if he has now completed his consideration of the possibility of conceding reduced television licence charges for elderly people living alone.

26. Mr. Alison

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has now reached a decision on his consideration of the proposal to extend to all old-age pensioners the right to acquire individual radio or television licences at the concessionary 10s. rate, which is now accorded to those who live in their own separate flats or bungalows with qualifying communal facilities.

28. Mr. William Price

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has now made to extend reduced television licence fees to all retired people.

Mr. Stonehouse

As regards retirement pensioners generally my view remains that it would be wrong to discriminate against others no less deserving, and in particular against elderly people who have no sets, and whose need might well be greater. I have gone most carefully into the position of those, who, for whatever reason, are most in need, but I understand that the index of retail prices, which takes into account the cost of the licence fee is one of the factors determining supplementary benefit rates.

Mr. Taylor

Is the Postmaster-General aware that this will be very disappointing news to the many organisations who have watched carefully the Minister's deliberations over a number of months? Is he aware of the hardship imposed by the increased postal charges, telephone fees and television licence fees? Is he not prepared to keep his mind open on the question, in view of the great burden caused by increased charges? Finally, is he aware that a number of pensioners in my constituency recently were offered free television sets, and not a single taker could be found—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Questions must be reasonably brief.

Mr. Stonehouse

I am not aware of undue hardship arising from the tariff increases. The House should get this into perspective. The licence fee is about the lowest in Europe. For that fee, a very good service is provided. We must avoid getting bogged down in this concept of concessions in kind, which is a very dangerous one.

Mr. Alison

Is not the Postmaster-General aware that he is making precisely a concession in kind by what he has introduced? Has he pondered the full implications of the anomaly created by this virtual exemption from T.V. licence fees which he accords to certain old-age pensioners who are no different from others except that they already enjoy subsidised advantages? Why help them further in a discriminatory way?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am surprised that there is any objection to this concession, which is a reasonable one, bearing in mind that the old-age pensioners concerned live together in a home. I believe that it is a concession which makes sense.

Mr. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the concession for which he is now attacked is far more than the Conservatives did when they were in power, but that it has led to some misunderstanding amongst elderly people? Now that he has had some experience of the two-tier system, is it not possible to include T.V. licences for people in these categories and, if necessary, recoup the money by allowing Radio One advertising? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]

Mr. Stonehouse

On the last point, I would not want to anticipate a review which is being conducted and about which I hope to make announcement in July. But the House must be aware that, in addition to old-age pensioners, many other groups within the community may be in greater need of concessions.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Can the Postmaster-General say how much has been paid in television licence fees by pensioners.

Mr. Stonehouse

I could not give that detail off the cuff, but I will obtain the information and write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Taylor

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment.