Television Licence Fee (Hansard, 23 May 2002)

HC Deb 23 May 2002 vol 386 c518W 518W

§ David Hamilton
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will abolish the television licence fee; and if she will make a statement. [58551]

§ Dr. Howells
No. The Government believe that, at present, the television licence fee retains distinct advantages over the possible alternative methods for funding the BBC. We have therefore made clear that the licence fee will remain the main source of BBC funding at least until the expiry of the BBC's current royal charter at the end of 2006. Future funding arrangements will need to be considered as part of the charter review process, which will commence in 2004.