asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to television licence inspectors about how long should be given to someone without a television licence to obtain a licence.

Television licence inquiry officers have written instructions to report each case in which there are grounds to suspect that a person is using television without a licence, and never to imply or indicate that prosecution may not take place if he offers to pay immediately for a licence or to obtain one within a short time. Inquiry officers have no discretion to allow time for the purchase or renewal of a licence; and decisions as to prosecution are taken in the light of their reports and other relevant circumstances.