HC Deb 28 September 1915 vol 74 cc756-8W
Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state how many persons in England and Wales committed to prison in default of payment of fines during the first six months of this year; and how many persons were so committed during the corresponding period in 1914?

Sir JOHN SIMON

There is no information available covering the periods mentioned in the question, and to obtain it would entail a search through the records of each prison. The number committed in default of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1915, was 53,988, and in the previous year 74,461.

Mr. KING

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many persons were in Ireland committed to prison in default of payment of fines during the first six months of this year; and how many persons were so committed during the corresponding period in 1914?

Mr. BIRRELL

The number of persons committed to prisons in Ireland in default of payment of fines during the first six months of this year was 3,833; the number for the corresponding period of 1914 being 6,905.

Mr. KING

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many persons were in Scotland committed to prison in default of payment of fines during the first six months of this year; and how many persons were so committed during the corresponding period in 1914?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The figures are are follows:—

1914. 1915.
1st January to 30th June 17,491 8,933