§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to make an announcement on the proposals from the BBC for the introduction of a weekly cash instalment scheme for the payment of a television licence fee. [18911]
§ Mr. SproatThe Government have given approval in principle to a BBC proposal to introduce a weekly cash instalment scheme for payment of the television licence fee. Regulations will have to drafted, and we will make an announcement when these are laid before the House. The BBC needs to make the necessary arrangements to implement the scheme, which it hopes to be in a position to do this summer.