Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he is aware that the period of imprisonment which may be imposed for non-payment of a fine is greater in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain; and whether he has any plans to bring the penalty in Northern Ireland into line with that in England and Wales;
(2) what arrears existed in the payment of fines imposed by magistrates' courts in Northern Ireland at the end of each of the years ending 31st December 1973, 31st December 1974 and 31st December 1975, or of each financial year for 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76 if more convenient; and how many persons were imprisoned during each such period.