§ 61. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have taken place in the last 12 months of men who have failed to pay alimony granted by court order to their wives and ex-wives.
§ Mr. CarlisleNone, since failure to make such payments is not a criminal offence. Magistrates' courts may, however, impose imprisonment if they consider after inquiry that the failure to comply with the court order is due to wilful refusal or culpable neglect. In 1971, 2,790 men were committed to prison in these circumstances.