§ Mr. David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people will benefit from the free licence fee for those persons aged over 75 years, announced by him; and if he will make a statement. [98535]
10W
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 22 November 1999]: Over 3 million households will benefit from the provision of television licences free of charge to people aged 75 or over, announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his pre-Budget statement.
§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to review TV licence concessions available for blind people and those in residential and sheltered accommodation below the age of 75 years. [99173]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The Government accept that the introduction of free television licences for people aged 75 or over will not remove the need to consider the shortcomings of the existing concessionary arrangements. We shall consider the recommendations of the BBC funding review panel in the light of the responses to the public consultation which has just concluded. We intend to announce our conclusions in January.