§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many retirement pensioners have been assisted with reductions in their television licences under Section 45 of the Health Service and Public Act, 1968, since it came into force on 1st April, 1971.
§ Mr. AlisonThe information is not available, but we have asked local authorities to make returns next year of certain services provided for elderly and handicapped people during 1972–73, including assistance over provision of television.
Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now authorise the Supplementary Benefits Commission to pay the television or radio licence fee of all pensioners in receipt of supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. DeanNo. The supplementary pension already provides a margin for amenities to be spent as each individual prefers on such things as television licences.