§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received on behalf of the National Deaf Children's Society regarding the possibility of a reduction in the television licence for the hearing-impaired;
(2) if he will list in the Official Report the circumstances in which a reduction in the charge for a television licence is currently permitted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have not received any representations on behalf of the National Deaf Children's Society. The only reduction in the charge for a standard television licence is that available to registered blind persons. There is, however, a special licence for retirement pensioners living in certain types of old people's homes. I have no plans to introduce television licences at reduced cost for any particular group of people such as the deaf.
Class of procession banned Date ban Commenced District Duration All public processions in connection with the death of James McDade. 20 November 1974 Solihull 1 month Birmingham Coventry All public processions. 21 September 1977 Tameside 41 days All pubilc processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 24 February 1978 Metropolitan 2 months Police District City of London All public processions other than those of a religious or ceremonial character customarily held. 20 April 1978 Leeds 18 days All public processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 16 August 1980 Birmingham 30 days Dudley Sandwell Walsall Wolverhampton All public processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 16 August 1980 Coventry 12 days All public processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 5 March 1981 Metropolitan' 27 days Police District City of London All public processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 20 March 1981 Leicester 1 month All public processions other than those of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character customarily held. 21 March 1981 Wolverhampton 14 days