HC Deb 17 March 1938 vol 333 c579
34. Mr. Day

asked the Home Secretary particulars of the number of persons, men and women, who were received into prison for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date in respect of non-payments of various kinds?

Sir S. Hoare

I. would refer the hon. Member to Table XII of Appendix 8 to the Report of the Prison Commissioners for the year 1936 which was published on the 15th instant.

Mr. Day

Will the Minister consider introducing legislation to prevent the imprisonment of people in these circumstances?

Sir S. Hoare

I am watching the position very closely, and what is satisfactory is the steadily decreasing number of persons who are in prison for this reason.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland imprisonment for debt, apart from alimentary debts, rates and taxes, was abolished in 1880?