HC Deb 28 June 1972 vol 839 cc338-9W
Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will state the loss due to licence evasion in the year ended 31st March, 1972, being a convenient assessable period; and how much decline in loss has occurred in that year, compared with

Date Estimated revenue lost £m. Estimated number of evaders Notes
31st March, 1964 5.8 1.45 Licence fee £4 (monochrome).
31st March, 1965 7.2 1.80 Licence fee £4 (monochrome).
31st March, 1966 10.25 2.05 Licence fee £5 (monochrome).
31st March, 1967 8.75 1.75 Licence fee £5 (monochrome).
31st March, 1968 6.75 1.35 Licence fee—
£5 (monochrome).
£10 (colour).
Introduction of Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 on 1st January, 1968.
31st March, 1969 7.5 1.25 Licence fee—
£6 (monochrome).
£11 (colour).
31st March, 1970 6.3 1.05 Licence fee—
£6 (monochrome).
£11 (colour).
31st March, 1971 7.8 l.30 Licence fee—
£6 (monochrome).
£11 (colour).
Temporary rise in evasion due to Post Office strike.
31st March, 1972 7.15 0.95 Licence fee—
£7 (monochrome).
£12 (colour).

Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will make a statement on the progress of his researches into the cost of special relief of the price of television licences for the elderly to be interpreted as all persons receiving State retirement pensions, excluding those in old people's homes, for whom benefits are already received.

Sir J. Eden

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. Moate)and others on 7th June.—[Vol. 838, c. 423–4.]

Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what would be the cost to the General Licence Fund of the British Broadcasting Corporation of reducing the television licence for state pensioners not in old people's homes to a nominal fee of £1 per annum only.

Sir J. Eden

About £22 million a year.