§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the level of fines for harassment of 313W tenants was last reviewed; what are the present maximum fines; what they would need to be to make allowance for inflation; and what proposals he will bring forward.
§ Mr. StanleyThe maximum fine for harassment that can be imposed by a magistrates' court is £1,000, although an unlimited fine may be imposed in a Crown court. It is also possible for a sentence of imprisonment to be imposed. This maximum was last increased in July 1978; in January 1982, the equivalent sum would have been £1,690. The Criminal Justice Bill, at present before Parliament, includes a provision to enable the Home Secretary to increase this and other maximum fines by order to take account of inflation.