§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when the reduction in the television licence fee for registered blind persons was first introduced; when it was set at £1.25; and what plans he has to increase it.
§ Mr. BrookeThe reduction in the television licence fee for registered blind people dates from the introduction of combined television and radio licences in 1946, when registered blind people became entitled to a reduction equivalent to the amount of the radio licence fee. This reduction replaced free radio licences for registered blind people, a concession believed to have been first introduced in 1926. Radio licences were abolished in 1971. The reduction in the television licence fee for registered blind people has remained at £1.25 ever since. The Government have no plans at present to increase the value of the concession.