Public service broadcasting charge

Sir, – The point is made by Steven Long (September 16th) that the term “public service broadcasting” should be defined before such services are taxed. Mr Long’s point is a welcome step forward in this debate but the views of the one in 25 home occupiers in this country who do not have a television (as estimated by the Minister for Communications’ own department) are still being ignored. We do not want to pay a tax for a “service” we do not choose to avail of. In fact, a better term for this grossly unfair and arbitrary tax is the word “tithe”. The last tithes in this country were abolished in 1869 – by the British. A progressive tax, Mr Rabbitte? My eye. – Yours, etc,

ARTHUR BOLAND,

Greenville Place,

Clanbrassil Street,

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Dublin 8.