§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the increase during 1938–39 of summonses and distress warrants for non-payment of rates as compared with 1932–33, amounting in many areas to over 100 per cent.; and whether, in view of the social significance of these figures, he will include them in future annual reports of criminal statistics in connection with the tables relating to non-indictable offences?
§ Sir S. HoareI know of no figures relating either to recent years or to earlier years, and it seems doubtful whether the collection of such figures would be of value for the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind. I understand there are many people who postpone payment till a summons or distress warrant is issued, and figures showing the number of such cases would not be a reliable index of comparative ability or inability to meet the demands.