§ 8. Mr. David Stoddartasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will publish figures showing total revenue from television licences during 1972–73, the costs of collecting such revenue; and of the tracing and prosecution of licence dodgers.
§ Sir J. EdenTotal revenue in 1972–73 was £137.6 million, and total cost of collection and enforcement £9.3 million.
§ Mr. StoddartDo not those figures reinforce the case which has already been made for the abolition of the television licence as such and for the costs of the BBC to be financed through general taxation revenue? I understand that this may mean long-term planning, but will not the Minister in the meantime make a start towards it by exempting old-age pensioners from television licence fees? That would please pensioners and eradicate much resentment among pensioners, some of whom get almost free licences and others of whom do not.
§ Sir J. EdenI do not think that one would be justified in making the hon. Gentleman's deductions from my reply. The question about the old-age pensioners is another matter.
§ Dame Irene WardHave any of these important matters yet got to the Cabinet?
§ Sir J. EdenThese matters are always receiving the highest consideration.