§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what representations he has received about the amendment of existing regulations to extend access by senior citizens living in sheltered housing accommodation to concessionary television licences; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what plans he has to relax the regulations affecting sheltered housing complexes to allow greater access for senior citizens to the concessionary television licence scheme;
(3) if he will estimate the cost of the existing licence concession scheme for retired people living in sheltered housing complexes;
(4) if he will agree to meet representatives of local authorities to discuss the future development of the concessionary scheme for retired people living in sheltered housing complexes.
§ Mr. BrookeSince 13 April this year, I have received 97 letters from Members of the House and 103 from members of the public, local authorities and other organisations on the subject of the concessionary television licence scheme. The current cost of the concessionary scheme in lost licence revenue is approximately £40 million a year. The Government have repeatedly made it clear that they have no plans to amend or extend the regulations governing the scheme, which were thoroughly overhauled in 1988 after long and careful consideration. I therefore consider that no useful purpose would he served by a meeting with representatives of local authorities to discuss the future of the scheme.