HC Deb 24 June 1982 vol 26 cc419-20
7. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with arrangements to discourage the evasion of payment of television licences.

Mr. Raison

We are concerned at the extent of evasion of television licence fees and would like to see it reduced. In the circumstances we consider that the measures to discourage evasion are necessary and appropriate. They are kept under review.

Mr. Chapman

I agree with my right hon. Friend, but will he confirm that the latest estimates suggest that 1.2 million people evade the payment of the television licence fee and that that probably represents a loss to the Exchequer in excess of £40 million? Will he therefore consider additional measures—for example, declaratory statements on tax and other official returns?

Mr. Raison

I confirm the figures that my hon. Friend has given. They represent a serious problem. We pursue a number of different measures in our endeavours to deal with this problem, but we would think carefully about any new measures that are put forward. I am not sure whether my hon. Friend's suggestion would be an appropriate use of tax information, but I am prepared to consider any ideas that are put forward.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Does my right hon. Friend have any idea of the number of people who are not paying for television licences because they are expressing dissatisfaction with the BBC and some of its programmes, especially the "Panorama" programme, which, on the day that Port Stanley was freed, seemed to do nothing but carp and criticise rather than praise the outstanding bravery of our Service men?

Mr. Raison

I know that from time to time many people are dissatisfied with BBC programmes, but not paying licence fees is a wholly inappropriate way of demonstrating disapproval.

Mr. Stallard

How many people who do not pay for licences are pensioners who cannot afford to do so because of increased standing charges and licence fees?

Mr. Raison

One cannot give a breakdown of those who do not pay their licence fees. I should be surprised if there were large numbers of pensioners among them. The retail price index reflects increases in the cost of television licences. It also reflects annual increases in the retirement pension.