Free Television Licences (Hansard, 28 January 2003)

HC Deb 28 January 2003 vol 398 c738W 738W

§ Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to provide free television licences for all pensioners. [93700]

§ Dr. Howells
No. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over, because older pensioners are more likely to be reliant on television as their window on the world. Older pensioners are also more likely to be on low incomes. We have no plans to extend free television licences to pensioners below the age of 75.