11. Mr. EdwinWainwright asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of television licences issued as at the latest available date.
§ Mr. RaisonOn 31 March 1982 there were about 18½ million licences in force.
Mr. WainwrightDoes the Minister realise that many elderly people on low incomes cannot afford to pay the present rate for a television licence? Will he bear in mind that people living in hostels, special homes and council organised homes get a cheap licence, whereas many elderly persons living nearby have to pay the full licence fee? Should not something be done to enable these people to afford a television licence, especially single people on low incomes living alone?
§ Mr. RaisonThe matter was debated as recently as December last year, when the House came to a decision. Our view is that the right way to help retirement pensioners is essentially by maintaining in real terms the value of the retirement pension. If we introduce a range of different means of support for people, including the payment of the television licence fee, we shall add to the anomalies that already exist.
§ Mr. MarlowWill my right hon. Friend say whether it is a proper use of licence contributors' money for the BBC to commission special public opinion polls so that it can indulge in a propaganda battle with the elected Government?
§ Mr. RaisonThat does not fall within the terms of this question.
§ Mr. AshleyWill the Minister consider extending to invalidity pensioners living in special homes the licence concession that is extended to retirement pensioners living in special homes?
§ Mr. RaisonI understand the right hon. Gentleman's point, but, as I have already said, the extension of concessions in this area will not help. The right thing is to provide proper benefits and pensions. The right hon. Gentleman of all people will know that local authorities may help disabled persons with the cost of television licences in cases of need under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.