§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will instigate a survey of the average number of telephone calls which citizens require to make to the television licensing helpline before finding the number not engaged; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellNo. Under section 180 of the Broadcasting Act 1990, responsibility for the administration of the television licensing system, was transferred to the BBC with effect from 1 April 1991. The television licensing helplines are operated by TV Licensing under contract to the BBC; responsibility for ensuring that TV Licensing performs to an acceptable standard therefore rests on the BBC.