§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to revise the scale of punishments which compels magistrates' courts to administer a comparatively long term of imprisonment as an alternative to a comparatively small fine.
§ Mr. EdeThere is no general provision which compels a court of summary jurisdiction to impose a minimum term of imprisonment in default of payment of a fine. The law provides for maximum periods which, subject to certain safeguards, may be fixed in default of payment and it is for the court to decide what is the appropriate period to satisfy the justice of the case, subject to the maxima so prescribed.