§ 8. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of persons who are currently in arrears in payment of fines; and what is the present total of such arrears.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe information sought in the first part of the question is not available. On 30 September 1978, the latest date for which this information is available, the amount of unpaid fines outstanding in England and Wales, excluding inner London, was £26,605,835. This figure includes fines in respect of which the time allowed for payment had not expired.
§ Mr. HardyIs it therefore not clear that urgent and intensive consideration should be given not merely to alternatives to fines but alternatives to custodial sentences that could be awarded to defaulters? Does my hon. Friend agree that her answer suggests that there may be a 607 measure of disdain for the law that should not be ignored?
§ Dr. SummerskillMy hon. Friend is rightly concerned that such a large amount of money is not paid, but he does not suggest a satisfactory remedy. The fines written off annually as uncollectable are 2 per cent. to 3 per cent. of the total amount imposed.
§ Mr. Temple-MorrisCan the Minister state what proportion of the arrears relate to juvenile courts? Is she satisfied that juvenile courts have sufficient powers to enforce their fines?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf the hon. Gentleman would ask a specific question I could give him the exact figures. On the practice in courts, a Home Office working party on administration and procedures in courts has considered and issued advice on the enforcement of fines.