§ 57. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Postmaster-General how many vans are now in use for the detection of the British Broadcasting Corporation's licence fee defaulters; how many vans are operating in Scotland; how many prosecutions have taken place in each of the last four years; and what was the average fine imposed on those found guilty of the offence.
§ Mr. StonehouseTwelve, to be increased to twenty by the autumn. One operates in Scotland and another should292W be available soon. Prosecutions for each of the last four years, ending 31st March numbered 24,831; 28,137; 28,790; 38,614; with most fines between £5 and £10.
§ Mr. John Pageasked the Postmaster-General how much money he estimates is being lost to the British Broadcasting Corporation each year from non-payment of radio and television licences; what steps he taking to collect this sum; and whether he will consider the issue of compulsory licence forms at the time of purchase of sets.
§ Mr. Stonehouse£7½ million. Since January, 1968, television dealers have notified to the Post Office all sales and rentals of television sets. I am bringing eleven new television detector cars into service this year. I have no plans to change the present licensing system.