HC Deb 19 July 1923 vol 166 cc2517-8W
Mr. TURNER

asked the Home Secretary what number of persons were committed to prison in 1922 for non-payment of fines inflicted upon them in the police courts; how many of such persons sent to prison were given time in which to pay such fines; and if he will bring to the attention of magistrates and magistrates' clerks the desirability of giving time to pay fines so as to keep our prisons more free and people from becoming prison-tainted?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

16,021 persons were admitted to prison in default of payment of fines in 1922. In regard to 3,108 of these persons, there are records showing they were allowed time to pay. A circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, was sent to Courts of Summary Jurisdiction in May, 1922, and I do not think any further action is called for at the present time.