HC Deb 07 April 1927 vol 204 c2236
16. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Home Secretary the total amount of penalties recovered under the Motor Car Acts, 1896 and 1903; the number of cases represented by these penalties; the amount retained by the justices' clerks under the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914; and whether it is proposed to increase the amount so retained in each case, in accordance with the unanimous recommendation of the Home Office Departmental Committee on justices' clerks' fees?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The amount paid to the Exchequer in respect of fines under the Roads and Motor Car Acts that were recovered during 1925 was £149,308 1s. 7d. The amount retained as Court fees, or paid out to other persons under Section 5 of the Act of 1914, cannot be stated. The number of persons fined was 135,985. The Report of the Conference to which the hon. Member refers was presented to Parliament before the. Act of 1914 was passed, and I do not see my way to increase the fees fixed by Parliament.

Mr. WILSON

Is it not a fact, in spite of the £149,000 which has been collected in these cases, that ustices' clerks are allowed to retain only 4s. to cover the whole of the expenses in each case?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

All I can say is that the fees were considered when the Act of 1914 was passed, and I have had no widespread information that they are insufficient.

Captain BRASS

Is it not a fact that the fines go to county funds?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

They are paid to the Motor Taxation Account.