HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 c1219W
John Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will introduce free television licences for blind and partially sighted people. [187569]

Estelle Morris

The Government introduced a 50 per cent. reduction in the television licence fee for registered blind people in April 2000. We have no plans at present to change the concessionary arrangements but will consider all aspects of BBC funding, including concessions, as part of the BBC Charter review process.

Mr. Anthony D. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many old age pensioners in the Great Yarmouth constituency have benefited from the introduction of free television licences. [186708]

Estelle Morris

TV Licensing, who administer free television licences for people aged 75 or over as agents for the BBC, are not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, 2001 Census data for parliamentary constituencies indicate that there are approximately 8,600 people aged 75 or over living in the Great Yarmouth constituency.