Television licence rebate

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33694, 18 November 1974, Page 16

Television licence rebate

Sir, — I would like to commend E. T. Raumati on his letter criticising the rebate of 50 per cent to beneficiaries on colour television. licences. Surely this is straining the taxpayers’ patience too far. No-one begrudges the rebate on black and white sets. Surely people in the position to pay the high prices demanded for colour sets can afford to pay the additional fee. There may be isolated instances of rebates being warranted. These could be considered on their merits. There are still many thousands throughout the country who are not beneficiaries who cannot afford the luxury of colour sets. Yet they are called on to assist in paying ■ for the privileges they themselves cannot afford. — ! Yours, etc., ONE OF THEM. November 16, 1974.

Sir, — I am a senior social security beneficiary — a widow with no family — and live on my own. On being left with a car rhat I could not drive, I sold it and purchased a colour television set instead. It was on my doctor’s recommendation to help me through my loneliness. Now I do not have to pay the car licence and think the T.V. is a better proposition. Perhaps E. T. Raumati can afford to pay both and maybe does not get as lonely as a few of us shut-in oldies do. I, for one, thank the powers that be for their thoughtfulness and consideration. — Yours, etc., ALMOST 80. November 14, 1974*"