HC Deb 22 March 1993 vol 221 cc460-1W
21. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to meet the chairman of the BBC to discuss rules relating to concessionary television licences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

I have no plans to meet the chairman of the BBC to discuss the concessionary television licence scheme. As I indicated in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter) on 14 December,Official Report, col. 14, the Government have repeatedly made it clear that we have no plans to amend or extend the regulations governing the concessionary scheme, which were thoroughly overhauled in 1988 after long and careful consideration.

23. Mr. Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent discussions he has had with the BBC regarding rules governing the eligibility for concessionary television licences.

Mr. Brooke

None. We have no plans to change the present concessionary television licence scheme.