§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that during last year 238,253 persons were summoned in the metropolitan boroughs for non-payment of rates, resulting in the issue of 74,573 distraint warrants and the 1329 committal to prison of 882 out of 4,135 persons against whom warrants were issued, will he take such steps as may be be necessary to secure a uniform system in the charges made for the summons and for hearing and serving.
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The fees mentioned do not vary much. In the Metropolitan Police Courts the fee for a summons is 2s., and this could not be reduced; while summonses issued by county justices cost Is. or 6d. There is, so far as I can ascertain, no fee for bearing; and the fee for service is generally Is. Legislation would be necessary to enforce entire uniformity; and I cannot see my way to undertake legislation.