§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why the radio licence fee of Clwyd fire brigade will increase from £25 per annum to £2,000 per annum in 1988–89, rising to a maximum of £5,000 per annum in 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Butcher[holding answer 23 June 1988]: Until the recent increases, police and fire service requirements had been serviced by the regulatory authorities for nominal fees for more than 34 years. The radio investigation service devotes significant resources to preserving the integrity of radio communications for the emergency services. The increase in licence fees is designed to reduce the losses involved safeguarding the interests of these essential services. The level of future charges will depend on the type of service required and will take the views of users into account.