Licence Fees (Deaf Persons)

HC Deb 03 July 1969 vol 786 cc617-8

15. Mr. Ashley

asked the Postmaster-General if he will extend to the deaf the television licence fee concession which is now granted to the blind.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir.

Mr. Ashley

While I am grateful for that helpful and comprehensive reply, is my right hon. Friend aware that although the blind and the deaf suffer equally from deprivation of sound or vision, he helps the blind but discriminates against the deaf?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am aware that both groups in the community suffer from a grave disability, but I think that the blind concession, which has been long standing, should not be withdrawn. I do not believe that concessions in kind of this sort should be extended to other sections of the community.