§ 106. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the hardship being caused to old age pensioners by the payment of the £1 radio licence in one sum; and whether he will arrange for them to pay it in half-yearly instalments.
§ Mr. BurkeMy noble Friend regrets that he cannot make any arrangement which would differentiate between old age pensioners and other classes of person, many of whom may also be in poor circumstances. To collect half-yearly payments for wireless receiving licences from all licence holders who might desire to pay half-yearly, would cost about £250,000 a year more than the present system of collection, and I would not feel justified104W in recommending to this House an arrangement involving this additional expenditure. The Post Office already affords facilities to persons of small means for saving by means of 6d., 2s. 6d. and 5s. Saving Stamps, and any listeners who wish to do so can save up the money for their licences in this way.