§ 73. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a promise was given to the House in 1910 by his predecessor in office that offenders who upon conviction were given the option of a fine in lieu of imprisonment should be allowed extended time for the payment of that fine; and whether the Home Office is taking any steps, and, if so, what steps, to fulfil that promise?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on the 5th August. Since then magistrates have again been urged in a circular issued from the Home Office to allow time for the payment of fines whenever possible, and as I have said before, I hope next Session to introduce a Bill to make the practice obligatory in all cases where it is proper to do so.