§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will publish in the Official Report a detailed list of television receiver sets in Government offices; which of these are coloured programme receivers; who has the use of these; what is the total expenditure on them; wheher television licences are paid for each set; and whether the users make any contribution towards these costs.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI have been asked to reply.
401WThe detailed information requested is not available. Television receivers have been provided for use in Government offices by Ministers and departmental information offices as follows:
Colour Black and White Ministers 2 47 Departmental Information Officers — 48 Total 2 95 The total cost of providing television receivers for this purpose during the last financial year—1975–76—was £2,500.
The cost of maintenance, including overheads, is approximately £800 per annum.
Television licences are not required for receivers used for official purposes.
The sets are provided for official purposes and the full cost is met from public funds.