§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of eligible people were in receipt of a free television licence in the last year for which figures are available. [103048]
§ Dr. HowellsIn 2001–02, an estimated 95 per cent. of the eligible population were in receipt of a free television licence.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she intends to publish the draft guidance on licensing authorities' statement of policy that will be required under the new licensing bill. [102650]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 14 March 2003]The Department published a rough draft of the guidance to local authorities and the police that will accompany the Licensing Bill on 13 February. Section 4 of this rough draft provides guidance to local authorities on the development and preparation of local statements of 517W licensing policy, the general principles that should underpin them, and core content to which licensing authorities would be free to add. The draft guidance was placed in the Libraries of both Ho uses and is available on the Department's website: www.culture.gov.uk.