§ Lord FRASER of LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, when the new rates of broadcasting licences are introduced in 1971, they will continue the concession whereby blind persons do not pay directly or indirectly for the "sound" element which has been free since 1926.]
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEYes, my Lords. My right honourable friend the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications has decided that when sound radio only licences are abolished on April 1, 1971, the concession of 25s. to registered blind persons will be continued. This will apply to licences of either £6 10s. or £11 10s.
§ Lord FRASER of LONSDALEMy Lords, while thanking successive Parliaments, the British Wireless for the Blind Fund and the B.B.C., may I ask the noble Baroness whether she is aware that 100, 000 blind persons in this country have enjoyed this benefit and free radio for some fifty years and that it has given them great pleasure?
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEYes, my Lords, we are aware of this; and we are also aware of the splendid fight which is always put up by the noble Lord.