§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to enable the courts to impose an automatic prison sentence where a fine has not been paid within six months of imposition, unless the person so fined has made an application to, and obtained from the court an extended period of payment.
§ Mr. CarlisleNo.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the growing practice of persons refusing to pay their fines, and the fact that £5½ million of fines are now outstanding, whether he will introduce the necessary legislation for outstanding fines to be recovered by requisitioning and confiscation of property from those who deliberately and continuously refuse to pay fines.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend has no evidence to support the suggestion in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. The total amount of fines outstanding includes fines, the time for payment of which had not expired. He is not satisfied that any further legislation to increase the powers of the courts is necessary.