HC Deb 17 November 1971 vol 826 c403
14. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the number of radio and television licences issued by the Post Office valid for a period of less than one year for which a full yearly fee is charged.

Mr. Chataway

The full licence fee is payable by law irrespective of the period for which a licence is issued. I have no figures showing how many licences are issued for less than one year.

Mr. Loughlin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if a person takes out a licence on, say 23rd August, that licence is back-dated to 31st July, so that he has 11 months' value for a fee which is supposed to cover 12 months? If a commercial organisation indulged in that practice, the general manager would find himself in gaol. It is a fraudulent practice. Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the problem with a view to introducing a system similar to that applying to the driving licence, which is dated from the time when one procures it?

Mr. Chataway

I do not believe that the arrangement the hon. Gentleman describes is general. But I am obviously extremely anxious to avoid the fate to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and I shall look at any specific instance he cares to send to me.