HC Deb 28 June 1972 vol 839 cc1413-4
1. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many television dealers have so far been fined for failing to supply information required under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act, 1967, since that Act came into force.

The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Sir John Eden)

Four, with one appeal outstanding.

Mr. Whitehead

May I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the case of Mr. Bernard Weather all, a television dealer, who announced on 14th June that he would go to gaol rather than submit to the fines levied on him? Is not that one small example of the extraordinary ham-handedness caused by the methods forced on the Post Office of collecting the present licence fee and checking on offenders? Is it not time we abolished this absurdly regressive tax and went over to paying for public service broadcasting out of general taxation?

Sir J. Eden

This is a Question about evasion rather than about the future of the licence fee, as the hon. Gentleman recognises. I am sure all people know that they must obey the law of the land, and I pay tribute to the work of the dealers for the support they have given in this respect.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

I hope that the Minister recognises the importance of the point made by my hon. Friend. Evasions, concessions and so on are bound up with the present licence fee and the method of financing, and we hope that the right hon. Gentleman will look at the whole question of the financing of the BBC in the public sector.

Sir J. Eden

With respect that is another question, but if it will help the hon. Gentleman I remind him that I have answered that question before, to the effect that I am looking at all these matters.