§ 24. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to discuss the licence fee with the chairman of the BBC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorI have regular discussions with the chairman of the BBC. Licence fee increases are based on the annual increase in the retail prices index as at the preceding September, in the same way as rises in pensions and other state benefits. I intend to reassess the position in advance of the fee increase due in 1994. The longer-term future of the fee will be considered as part of the review of the BBC's royal charter which expires in 1996.