HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc594-5
9. Mr. Roy Carter

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make arrangements with local authorities for retired persons' television licence fees to be collected weekly or monthly via rates or rent.

Sir J. Eden

No, Sir. Responsibility for payment of the licence fees rests with the users of the television receivers and bears little or no relation to the purposes for which rent and rates are paid. The television savings card provides a convenient way for people to save for a licence.

Mr. Carter

Is the Minister aware that that is a disappointing reply and it gives the Opposition a clear impression that there is no sympathy from the Minister or the Government for the problems of retired people about payment of television licence fees? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Birmingham City Council has made it possible for retired people to pay their fuel bills through either the rates or council rents? If Birmingham City Council can come to that arrangement with retired people, why cannot the Government?

Sir J. Eden

The first part of the hon. Gentleman's observations were totally uncalled for and unjustified, as the record of the Government, in their care for elderly people and pension increases, makes clear. The licence fee system is a straightforward method of ensuring that people pay the necessary due for operating a receiver set. There are limited exceptions to that, and if the scheme is to be kept simple and reasonably cheap to operate that is the way it must continue to be.

Mr. Sydney Chapman

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Post Office to give greater publicity to the method of paying television licence fees through the national savings card scheme, which seems to be successful and which would be helpful to old people and is widespread in Birmingham?

Sir J. Eden

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to the benefits that can be made available to old people, or to those whose incomes are limited, who might find this method an easier way of making the payments. Certainly publicity should be given to that.