HC Deb 02 November 1970 vol 805 cc658-9
23. and 24. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) if he will make a statement on the progress made in the detection of television licence evaders in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively, in the last six months;

(2) if he will make a statement on the improved techniques now being used for the detection of television licence evaders; and if he will publish statistics for each six months since 1st January, 1969, showing the extent to which the effectiveness of the policies has increased.

Mr. Chataway

In the six months ending 31st August the number of television licences increased by approximately 200,000 in England, 22,000 in Scotland and 13,000 in Wales. Improved techniques of combating evasion include notification by T.V. dealers of all rentals and sales of sets, more detector vans, an experimental scheme for computer control of licence work and publicity campaigns. With permission, I will publish the figures requested in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most hon. Members will be very satisfied with the intensification of this campaign? What are the limiting factors in developing the campaign even further? Can he give the House any estimate of the overall extent of the problem as it now exists?

Mr. Chataway

It is estimated that some £6 million is being lost as the results of evasion. There is no doubt that a great deal of progress in combating licence evasion has been made over the past two years. I have been anxious that the most recent publicity campaign should try to carry on that movement forward. The single most common factor is probably simply forgetfulness, and it is, therefore, our task to remind as many people as possible to get their television licences.

Following are the figures:

LICENCE INCREASES IN SIX MONTHS ENDING 31ST AUGUST, 1970
England from … … 13,154,636 to 13,354,219
Scotland from … … 1,422,456 to 1,444,713
Wales from … … 953,055 to 966,143

DECREASE IN LICENCE EVADERS FOR EACH 6 MONTHS PERIOD FROM 31ST DECEMBER, 1968
Date Total estimated number of households with TV sets Total number of TV licences in force Estimated number of licence evaders Decrease over previous six months
(millions) (millions) (millions)
31.12.68 16.690 15.494 1.196 —
30.6.69 16.770 15.580 1.190 6,000
31.12.69 16.910 15.792 1.118 72,000
30.6.70 17.000 16.058 0.942 76,000