HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc19-20
24. Mr. John Hannam

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will take steps to introduce a system whereby one licence can be issued by the Post Office covering all the various forms of annual car, television and radio, dog and gun licences.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir. The many differnt licensing authorities for whom the Post Office acts as agent, and the differing conditions attached to the licences, make it impracticable.

Mr. Hannam

I appreciate the problems involved, but will my right hon. Friend consider the difficulties facing those people who have to try to keep track of the many statutory licences and permits now required, and who would be greatly assisted by being able to hold one multiple renewal card which they could present to the Post Office for renewal of these licences and permits?

Mr. Chataway

My hon. Friend has made an interesting suggestion but as I gather than the starting dates of these various licences and permits and the conditions on which they are issued are necessarily different I do not think that it is a practical proposition.

Mr. Kaufman

Will the Minister reconsider the matter, and consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food? Does he not think that the gun licence element of the proposal would be a great convenience to old age pensioners wishing to go pigeon shooting?