§ Mr. Russellasked the Postmaster-General under what authority instructions were issued to postmasters that television licences were not to be renewed, nor new ones issued, during part of last July.
§ Mr. MarplesNo instructions were issued preventing the renewal of licences which were due for renewal before 1st August or the issue of new licences during any part of July.
As regards licences due for renewal on 1st August the Finance Act made no provision for the collection of the excise duty of £1 before that date and renewal in July could not therefore be permitted.