§ 33. Mr. Moneyasked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to introduce immediate legislation to abolish imprisonment for civil debt, under county court jurisdiction, in sums involving small amounts.
§ The Attorney-GeneralImprisonment for civil debt has already been prospectively abolished by Part II of the Administration of Justice Act, 1970 except in the case of maintenance and certain Crown debts such as income tax and national insurance contributions. It will be replaced by attachment of the debtor's earnings. These provisions are to come into force on a date to be appointed by the Lord Chancellor. It is hoped to complete the preparatory work in time for the changes to become operative by the early summer.