asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the hardship to people of the lower income group, he will consider the possibility of accepting television licences in two half-yearly instalments.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Television Licences.
128.
Mr. S. Collins
The question of collecting licence fees by instalments was carefully considered some years ago but the idea was rejected because it would add substantially to the cost of collection. My Department is, however, preparing a scheme to facilitate those who are interested in a system of easy payment. Special saving cards will be introduced to which 2s savings stamps up to the value of £6 may be affixed, and these will be acceptable in payment, or part-payment if the cards are not full, of licence fees. The scheme will come into operation about the middle of next year.
How much grace will be given when the TV licences expire?
What does the Deputy mean by "grace"?
How much extra time will be allowed before summonses are issued? When people have to renew licences many of them are in trouble because they cannot do so immediately.
The Deputy knows that users of television sets and radios must have licences at all times. In so far as my own television licence is concerned, I know that we get a reminder from the local post office a month or six weeks before it expires. If we dodge and do not get the licence we are open to prosecution at a later stage.
If people do not renew the licences immediately but do so later could they be backdated?
This point would have to be examined when the scheme was in the final stages of preparation.