Mr. BENNETTasked the Home Secretary how many debtors were in gaol in 1921–22 for the non-payment of Income Tax; what was the average duration of imprisonment in such cases; whether imprisonment cancels the tax indebtedness; how much it costs to maintain each such prisoner per week; and whether the advantage to the State makes it worth while to continue such penalisation?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIn 1921 there were 1,162 cases: in 1920 and 1919 the figures were 453 and 193, respectively. The figures for 1922 are not available. I have no figures as to the average length of imprisonment. The average cost of prisoners in local prisons is £1 10s. 6d. a week. The other points raised in this 2637W question are matters primarily for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and not for my Department.