TELEVISION LICENSING AUTHORITY

Early day motion 870, tabled 22 March 2004 by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 59 members.

That this House notes that one out of every fifty United Kingdom households chooses not to own a television set; further notes that TV licensing officers may only enter a person's home with their consent or under a warrant issued by a justice of the peace or a sheriff in Scotland and that such a warrant may only be issued if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence relating to the use of a television; regrets that many households which do not own a television feel harassed and intimidated by the behaviour of the TV Licensing Authority; and calls on the TV Licensing Authority to respect the right of individuals not to own a television without being subjected to repeated harassment.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 35, Labour 11, Conservative 3, Scottish National Party 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.