HC Deb 12 June 2000 vol 351 cc497-8W
21. Mr. Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many families in the Elmet constituency will benefit from the introduction of free television licences for households with a member aged 75 years or over. [123690]

Mr. Chris Smith

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Film, Tourism and Broadcasting to my right hon. Friend the Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 2 March 2000,Official Report, column 350W.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Department is taking to liaise with the television licensing authorities to ensure that all pensioners over the age of 75 will be fully informed of when they become eligible for a free television licence; what efforts his Department is making to ensure that pensioners are given accurate information in respect of this; and if he will make a statement. [124545]

Janet Anderson

Officials at both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Social Security are in regular contact with the BBC as Licensing Authority to ensure the effective implementation of free television licences for the over-75s. The BBC is providing me with regular progress reports covering a range of issues, including publicity for the concession. Progress to date includes the establishment of a dedicated TV Licensing helpline, publication of explanatory leaflets, television trailers and the start of direct mailings to all domestic addresses on the TV Licensing database. DCMS has prepared a separate question and answer guide to the concessionary scheme.