§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons in England and Wales were sent to prison for non-payment of rates in each year from 1964 to 1974, inclusive; and whether, in view of the increase in the numbers of persons appearing before the courts for non-payment of rates, he will henceforth make it a practice to collect information as to their numbers so as to make it available to Parliament.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonThe following table shows the number of persons received into custody for non-payment of rates in the years 1964–73. The information for 1974 is not yet available.
1964 351 1965 333 1966 392 1967 478 1968 591 1969 656 1970 592 1971 562 1972 487 1973 363 The collection of statistics of proceedings brought in respect of non-payment of rates—which is not a criminal offence—is not a matter for my right hon. Friend.