RADIO AND TV LICENCE FEE (One-time payment)

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Communications and Information if he will ascertain from the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (a) for the year 1985, what was (i) the total number of radio and TV licences issued, (ii) the amount of fees collected from such licences, and (iii) the cost incurred for the collection of such fees; and (b) whether it will consider replacing the annual licence fees with one-time payments.

The Minister of State for Communications and Information (Mr Wong Kan Seng) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister.

In 1985 -

(i) Singapore Broadcasting Corporation issued a total of 590,645 radio and TV licences;

(ii) The fees collected for these licences amounted to $39 million; and

(iii) The cost incurred by SBC for the collection of these fees was $1.7 million.

A one-time radio and TV licence fee will not be in the interests of the public. They will have to pay a much bigger sum and this can be a burden. The annual fee allows the radio and TV licence owner to pay progressively. Using the inter-bank GIRO system, licence holders need only make a one-time authorization and their licences will be renewed annually without further bother.