HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc644-5
3. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Postmaster-General when and by how much the combined television-radio licence will increase; how much will be the total revenue in 1969 from all television and radio licences; what increase this represents over 1968; by how much he expects to reduce evasion; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Stonehouse

The combined television-sound licence fees were increased by £1 on 1st January; I have no further increases in mind. I estimate the total revenue from broadcast receiving licences in the financial year 1969–70 at about £101 million, an increase of some £15 million over the expected revenue for the year 1968–69. I expect some decrease in evasion but so many factors are involved that I do not think I should try to set a figure to it.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would the Postmaster-General bear in mind that the last figure which he gave us for evasion was in excess of £10 million in a full year, and that was at lower licence rates? As that figure represents about 10 per cent. of all revenue from licences, ought he not to redouble his efforts to catch evaders and prevent this obnoxious practice developing further?

Mr. Stonehouse

Yes. We are using a number of measures to reduce evasion, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for referring to it.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

Will any concession in respect of this increase be made to old-age pensioners and people who cannot pay—

Mr. Speaker

Order. There is a later Question on that subject. The hon. Gentleman cannot anticipate a Question.