§ 30. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were committed to prison in 1947 and 1948, respectively. for failure to comply with wife-maintenance orders.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)Two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-five persons were committed to prison in England and Wales for failure to comply with wife-maintenance orders in 1947. I regret that similar information is not yet available for 1948.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Home Secretary aware that there are considerable inequalities in the sentences that have been imposed under these Acts, and is he satisfied with the general working of these Acts?
§ Mr. EdeI have no doubt there are inequalities, because the circumstances of each case have to be taken into consideration and the circumstances vary.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to the case of men who leave their jobs and get jobs with the Admiralty and thereby escape having to pay maintenance?