67. Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGAN (for Colonel DAY)asked the Home Secretary whether the recent circular from his Department, tightening up the credit period for the payment of fines inflicted at Petty Sessional Courts, has resulted in any increase in the number of persons committed to prison for the nonpayment of fines; and, if so, will he, in consideration of the ill-effect of prison commitments upon persons convicted for petty offences, withdraw the circular?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI presume the hon. Member is referring to the circular of 27th January last, but, if so, he has misunderstood the object and effect of that circular. The Home Secretary is most anxious to reduce committals to prison in default of payment of fines, and the object of the circular in question was to improve the working of the system under which time is allowed for payment of fines.