HC Deb 22 May 1990 vol 173 cc139-40W
Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the definition of a common and exclusive boundary, in connection with the regulations covering concessionary television licences for old people.

Mr. Mellor

The Wireless Telegraphy (Broadcast Licence Charges and Exemption) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1988 require that for the occupants to qualify for concessionary television licences sheltered accommodation must, among other things, comprise a group of at least four dwellings "within a common and exclusive boundary". This is not further defined in statute. Each application is considered on its merits, bearing in mind the intention of the regulations that only sheltered accommodation which is directly comparable to residential homes should qualify.