HC Deb 21 December 1976 vol 923 cc117-8W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the need to continue the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act 1971.

Mr. Mason

The present level of public debt in respect of rent, rates, electricity and gas arrears in Northern Ireland is now approximately £20 million.

While the creditor bodies are continuing to use all the normal legal procedures open to them to recover arrears, I consider it is still essential to continue using the provisions of the Payment for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971, to supplement the normal procedures of recovery of rent and rates debts. This will help to ensure that the great majority of the Northern Ireland public, who pay their debts, do not suffer through the irresponsible actions of those who do not pay.

Any debtor has the opportunity to enter into a voluntary arrangement with a public creditor body to pay off his debts and by doing so would avoid coming within the reduction of benefit procedures under the Act. He also would benefit by being then entitled to claim any material benefits such as rent rebates, and to avoid the statutory collection charge. I would hope that all those who are in debt for rent, rates, electricity or gas would recognise the advantages to them of making such voluntary agreements to meet their arrears.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in connection with the continued operation of the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act 1971: (a) how many households are currently having deductions made at source to pay debts to public authorities, (b) how many of these households are headed by elderly, sick, disabled or unemployed persons with social security incomes, (c) how many households having deductions made contain five or more children, (d) how many deductions are less than £1.00 and, in bands of £1, up to £8.00 per week, (e) what is the distribution by household sizes of the amounts of these deductions, (f) what percentage of deductions under the Act are made from family allowances, family income supplement and supplementary benefit, and (g) whether figures are available for the total of debt to public authorities in Northern Ireland as compared with the total of such debt in England and Wales, and in Scotland.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.