HC Deb 09 May 2002 vol 385 cc311-2W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the(a) number and (b) total cost of television licences paid for by his Department. [48354]

Maria Eagle

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The BBC has confirmed that the number of free licences issued was 3.1 million in 2000–01, and 3.8 million in 2001–02, (the latter figure remains subject to audit).

For the costs to the Department, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 14 March 2002, Official Report, column 1237W.