§ 19. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will make a statement in furtherance of the official announcement which he made on Monday, 4th October regarding the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning the evasion of payment of television licences.
§ Mr. ChatawayTelevision licence evaders are costing the B.B.C. £9 million in lost revenue.
The campaign I have just launched is aiming at a substantial reduction in the number of evaders.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many television licence fees in Northern Ireland are in arrears as at the 1st August, 1st September and 1st October, 1971.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe number of television licences not yet renewed in Northern Ireland was:
(a) (b) (2–3 months outstanding) (more than 3 months outstanding) At 1st August, 1971 4,290 6,719 At 1st September 1971 5,046 6,880 At 1st October, 1971 5,401 6,438
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement on the non-payment of television licences in Northern Ireland during the current civil disobedience campaign; and what action he proposes to take in relation thereto.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe number of television licences not renewed has increased118W in the last two months. This is not yet a serious problem but I am keeping the situation under review.