§ 9. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has had from pensioners' associations and others with regard to abolishing the television licence fee for pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNo representations have been received from pensioners' associations and only three have been received from members of the public. These have been referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department who has responsibility for setting the level of the licence fee.
§ Mr. SkinnerThe Government would receive more representations if the pensioners could afford the stamps. I see that the Minister for Social Security is missing again—absent, as usual.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member must come to his question.
§ Mr. SkinnerIs the Minister aware that, while the Government have made serious attempts to make it easier for top-salaried people—Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and so on—to be able to pay for their television licences, old-age pensioners are finding that television viewing is becoming dear? The price of electricity, a cup of tea, and cigarettes has risen—as well as VAT. When the Prime Minister returns from waddling round the world's capitals perhaps she will make a move—if she wants to impress the pensioners and their associations—to implement the Labour Party proposal to abolish the television licence.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret to have to tell the House that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security is ill. That is why he is not with us today.
As for the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question, he will know that it is a matter for the Home Office whether there should be any changes in the television licence fee for pensioners. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has answered that question already, on 18 May. For those in homes for the elderly there are already concessions and under local government powers financial assistance may be given to the needy pensioner for the television licence fee.
§ Mr. WallerIs my hon. Friend aware that pensioners are upset that some are able to take advantage of a 5p licence while others, who are no better off financially, have to pay the full amount? Is she prepared to consider the introduction of a uniform licence fee for all pensioners, perhaps at half the full rate?
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe question of the licence fee is not for my Department, but I am aware of the anomalies that occur in some local authority homes and we shall consider that problem.