HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 cc1547-8
7. Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to introduce arrangements for people who give up colour television to receive a proportionate refund on the unexpired portion of their licence.

Mr. John

No, Sir. The grounds on which refunds may be given must be limited if the licensing system is not to become unmanageable.

Mr. Newton

Is the Minister aware that this situation is unfair, especially to elderly people who have been forced to give up their colour television sets due to financial hardship? Apart from the Obvious analogy with motor licences, which are refundable, can the Minister explain why it is apparently administratively possible to allow a refund on the unexpired portion of a black-and-white television licence when a move is made upwards to colour but not when the move is in the other direction?

Mr. John

Hon. Members should realise that the licensing system was introduced because of its simplicity and that that is one of the ways in which we are able to keep television licence fees down. The more exceptions there are, the dearer will be the licence fees. The answer to the hon. Gentleman's specific point is that colour licences cover monochrome reception whereas the reverse is not the case.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Will my hon. Friend look at a related problem—that the British Broadcasting Corporation is obtaining money under false pretences by regularly showing old films which are not in colour but is charging a colour licence fee? Further, does my hon. Friend realise that the BBC is paying for these old films, imported from America, in hard currency? Is he further aware that licence-holders are threatened with a further increase in fees at a time when two-thirds of the films shown on television are in black and white? Can he stop this obtaining of money by false pretences on the part of the BBC?

Mr. John

I do not think it is for Members to question repetition. No doubt it is due to my age, but, frankly, I think that some of the black and white films that are shown are infinitely superior to some of the other, more recently made films, about which I receive complaints from Conservative Members.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are ugly rumours of a massive increase in the colour licence fee? Will the Home Secretary resist such a move with all his strength? If he feels that he needs the support of the House, will he seek an opportunity for a debate before any increase in the colour licence fee is announced?

Mr. John

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will be grateful for such support as he can get on any matter. My answer is that rumours are rumours, and until we deal with facts we cannot comment.