HC Deb 21 October 1986 vol 102 cc797-8W
Mr. Nicholas Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now bring forward proposals for a system of refunds of television licences similar to that existing for vehicle excise duty.

Mr. Mellor

We are looking again at the arrangements for refunds as part of our general consideration of the television licensing requirements in the light of the recommendations of the Committee on Financing the BBC.

Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek changes in the Wireless Telegraphy (Broadcast Licence Charges and Exemptions) Regulation 1984 so that all pensioners without any other source of income than their pension are required to pay only a fee of 5p a year for the television licence.

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. Friend has not yet reached any conclusions on the recommendations made by the Committee on Financing the BBC for changes to the television licensing requirements, including the arrangements for licences at reduced cost.