HC Deb 03 March 1969 vol 779 cc13-5
8. Mr. Tinn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give directions to local offices to introduce allowances for recipients of Supplementary Benefits as a means of paying all or part of the fee for a television licence.

The Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. Norman Pentland)

No, Sir. As my right hon. Friend the late Minister of State explained in reply to Questions on 10th February, the cost of television licences is included in the index of retail prices, which is taken into account in determining Supplementary Benefit scale rates, and the rates, which were increased last October, contain a margin for amenities which people can, if they wish, spend on items like television licences.—[Vol. 777, c. 215.]

Mr. Tinn

Is not my hon. Friend aware that many such people feel that a serious anomaly has been created by the concession given by the Postmaster-General which operates in favour of local authority tenants enjoying certain communal benefits, regardless of their need? Many people who could well need such a concession far more, but who, perhaps, are not necessarily receiving supplementary benefit, feel bitter about it.

Mr. Pentland

I can understand my hon. Friend's concern, but that question is outside the subject dealt with by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The Commission is concerned about equality among its beneficiaries, and any payment related specifically to the television licence fee would not help those who are receiving supplementary benefit but who have no television set. It is the Government's view, therefore, that beneficiaries should be given a cash income to be spent in accordance with the individual's needs and preferences.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

Does not my hon. Friend realise that television is one of the few services which old people have to bring a little brightness into an otherwise drab life? Does he not intend to do anything for these people?

Mr. Pentland

I fully agree with my hon. Friend and I can understand the concern, but this matter has to be kept in its proper perspective. The increase in licence fee this year is equivalent to just over 4½d. a week. Taking the scale rates which were announced last October, and taking into account price increases since then, the present supplementary benefit rates in real terms are still 19 per cent. higher than the National Assistance scale rates which applied in October, 1964 when we took office.