§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the recent case in which 87W the statement of Mrs. Searle, of Canton, Cardiff, that she had already paid a fine of £3, was rejected by the Cowbridge magistrates, who insisted on a further payment being made; to what extent his regulations, under the Magistrates Courts Act, are designed to prevent the double payment of fines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss PikeIt is for the court to decide whether a fine has been paid, but I am inquiring into the facts of this case. A separate account should be kept of all fines owing after the court has risen, and the Regulations require a justices' clerk to give a receipt for money received in payment of fines.