HC Deb 05 March 1981 vol 1000 cc406-7
7. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations were received by his Department during 1980 in regard to concessionary television licences for elderly or disabled people.

Mr. Mayhew

Four hundred and fifty-two, sir.

Mr. Hardy

Will not the Minister agree that injustice arises from serious and bitterly resented anomalies in the current concessionary arrangement? Will he not agree that the evidence shows that a pensioner living in a ground floor flat rightly receives the concession but a pensioner, in exactly the some circumstances and of the same age, living in the flat above can be denied it? Is he aware that many other pensioners living in unsatisfactory housing conditions are also denied the concession?

Mr. Mayhew

I know from letters sent to me by hon. Members that this concession would be gratefully received if it could properly be made. In our judgment, it cannot. Any such concession would inevitably impose substantial cost upon other licence holders. This is not something that we believe it is right to do.

Mr. McQuarrie

In view of some of the dreadful films, purchased at high cost, which are seen on television, does my hon. and learned Friend agree that it would not be difficult for the BBC and the IBA to consider giving concessionary licence reductions to the disabled, especially in this the International Year of Disabled People?

Mr. Mayhew

There are 2 million disabled persons. It is difficult to calculate what would be the cost of a concession to them. It is generally agreed, I believe, that the BBC's revenue should come from the proceeds of licensing. It is impossible to construct sensible and substantial concessions that will not have the effect of adding considerably to the costs on others.

Mr. Ashley

Will not the Minister agree that there are two ways of ending this anomaly? The first is to deprive those who already have the concession and the second is to give the concession to everyone. Why cannot he be generous for once during the International Year of Disabled People and extend the concession to all severely disabled people?

Mr. Mayhew

It is easy to be generous with other people's money. There is no intention of withdrawing or extending the concession to which the right hon. Gentleman refers. I am afraid that it is not possible to extend the concession to other people whom we would like to help but feel certain that we cannot.

Sir William Clark

Does not my hon. and learned Friend agree that the best help this Government can give to retired persons and others is to continue with the fight against inflation, which is having some success?

Mr. Mayhew

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. No one would benefit more immediately, and, proportionately to a greater extent, than old age pensioners from the success that is already beginning to become manifest in that fight.