HC Deb 23 May 1994 vol 244 cc79-80W
22. Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what most recent consultations he has had over the television licence fee for pensioners.

Mr. Brooke

The Government have historically received a number of requests for pensioners to be given free or reduced-rate television licences, regardless of the ability to pay. The Government are sympathetic to pensioners but do not consider the licence fee a suitable instrument of social policy.