§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will discuss with relevant departments a reduction of the cost of the BBC licence fee to pensioners dependent solely on the state pension. [74043]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 2 March 1999]: The independent review panel currently considering the future funding of the BBC has also been asked to examine the structure of the existing concessionary television licence scheme and whether a suitable alternative structure could be available. The panel has invited representations on a number of areas, including the concessionary arrangements, and will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State by the end of July this years. There will then be a period of public consultation on the panel's recommendations. It would not be right for the Government to preempt the outcome of the review.