§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the policy of the Government towards offenders who have not paid fines imposed on them by Scottish courts;
(2) whether subsequent convictions are taken into account when deciding whether to revoke unpaid fines imposed by the Scottish courts.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe enforcement of fines is a matter for the courts. However, under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 my right hon. Friend is empowered exceptionally, after consultation with the appropriate courts, to remit any outstanding fines of borstal inmates if he is satisfied that remission will assist their rehabilitation. However, if an inmate offends after leaving borstal and before the remission process has been completed, the remission is immediately suspended and the courts are informed.
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§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many unpaid fines imposed by Scottish courts have been revoked by his Department in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe number of warrants, each of which may cover more than one outstanding fine, issued for each of these years was as follows:
Number of fines warrants Amount 1974 195 £4,301 1975 176 £5,669 1976 188 £6,404