HC Deb 27 October 1988 vol 139 c322W
Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet able to announce the level of the television licence fees to take effect from 1 April 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

On 27 October last year, at column 204, I announced that the licence fees for the three years starting from 1 April 1988 would be calculated in accordance with changes in the retail prices index, which determine the rate of increase of pensions and other state benefits.

The RPI figure for September, published on 14 October, showed a year-on-year increase of 5.9 per cent. I have accordingly decided that from 1 April 1989 the colour licence fee should be £66 and the monochrome fee £22. The necessary regulations will be laid before the House in due course.