HC Deb 15 May 1980 vol 984 cc639-40W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage increase in persons received into prison for fine default between 1949 and 1979, or if figures for 1979 are not available, between 1948 and the latest year for which figures are available.

Mr. Brittan

In 1978 16,442 persons were received into prison department establishments in England and Wales in default of payment of a fine, an increase of 305 per cent. over the 4,059 so received

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Information on costs is published in the annual report and accounts of the Arts Council of Great Britain. It is summarised in the table below:

in 1948. Figures for 1979 are not yet available.