Television Licences (Anti-Evasion Campaign)

HC Deb 20 April 1970 vol 800 cc18-9

45. Mr. Bryan

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the additional income raised so far from the campaign against television licence evasion.

Mr. Stonehouse

Over £1 million.

Mr. Bryan

Is the Minister aware that from answers he gave in the House on 10th March and 10th April the cost of £950,000 for counter-evasion measures seems to be almost exactly the same as the amount collected?

Mr. Stonehouse

The House should be made aware of the fact that the hon. Gentleman is confusing two amounts. The figure he is now quoting as the cost of the campaign is the total cost for this work. The actual cost of the special campaign, which has produced an extra annual income of £1 million, is about £147,000, so I think that the special campaign is well worth while.