§ 40. Sir W. BYLESasked the Home Secretary whether it is the practice of the Home Office, when an offender is committed to prison in default of payment of a fine, to add to the fine the cost of conveyance from the town of committal to the prison; and how far the promised reform of allowing time for the payment of fines before committal to prison has been carried?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe cost of a convicted prisoner's conveyance to gaol may be included among the costs he may be ordered to pay, and at present it is the usual practice to do this. I do not think the practice is a good one, and am taking steps to secure its discontinuance. I hope 2644 next Session to introduce a Bill providing, inter alia, for time for the payment of fines being allowed in all cases where this is proper and practicable. Circulars from the Home Office have recommended magistrates to follow this practice wherever possible, and, pending legislation, I shall take every opportunity that may occur for encouraging the extension of the practice.
§ Sir W. BYLESSeeing there has been no opportunity of discussing the Prison Vote at all this year, cannot any steps be taken to make these questions and answers public?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey appear in the daily Report, and are circulated to hon. Members also.