§ 9. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is his estimate of the number of persons avoiding payment of the television broadcast receiving licence; what revenue this represents; and if he will propose changes in the procedures and method of collecting licence fees.
§ 3. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what progress is being made in detecting those evading the payment of television licences; and if he will give estimates of the revenue currently being lost by the British Broadcasting Corporation because of such evasion in England and Scotland, respectively.
§ Sir J. EdenThe estimated number of evaders fell from 950,000 at 31st March 1972 to 700,000 at 30th September. Loss of revenue is now about £5 million. 1311 Separate estimates for England and Scotland are not available. I am not at present proposing any changes in the methods of collecting licence fees.
§ Mr. ChapmanI am grateful for that answer, and I welcome the trend, but since about 17 million television licences were issued in the last 12 months for which figures are available, representing about 90 per cent. of the households in the country, does not my right hon. Friend think that there might be a case—in order further to reduce evasion—for people to be asked to opt out of paying rather than opting in? The money might be collected in a different way—with the rates, or by the Inland Revenue with income tax.
§ Sir J. EdenAs I have said, I have no plans at present to propose any changes in the method of collecting fees, but of course I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. LiptonHow on earth does the Minister know how many people are not paying for licences? How does he count them?
§ Sir J. EdenThis is an attempt to try, by means of detector vans and other devices, to get as complete a coverage as possible. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will welcome not only the trend but the vigorous attempts which are made to ensure that everybody pays what is due from them.