§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) for what reason the Television Licensing Authority collects six months' money in advance from TV licence holders who opt to pay for their licences using the direct debit facility; under what powers the Television Licensing Authority collects such advance payments; and how much was held in advance payments on the latest date for which figures are available; [139389]
(2) what percentage of TV licence holders using the direct debit payment facility who surrendered their licences before the end of that term subsequently claimed refunds on their extra payments, in the last period for which figures are available; [139390]
(3) what percentage of deceased TV licence fee payers who used the direct debit payment facility subsequently had refunds claimed by their executors for the six months' extra payments, in the last year for which figures are available; [139391]
(4) if she will abolish the six-month pre-payment scheme for TV licence fee payers opting to use the direct debit facility; and if she will make a statement. [139394]
§ Estelle MorrisI regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.