§ Sir John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases persons convicted of hooliganism or serious vandalism have been required to undertake community service at weekends and for how long; and if it has been found difficult to ensure that these sentences are carried out.
§ Mr. JohnWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts on 2nd May.—[Vol. 931, c.41–42.]—The information requested in the second part is not readily available.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of cases in 1976 in which community service orders were made and the number of individuals who failed in whole or in part to pay fines awarded by magistrates in England and Wales during the latest year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. JohnProvisional figures indicate that approximately 9,100 persons were given community service orders in 1976. In 1975 there were 14,203 receptions into prisons of people on default of payment of fines imposed by magistrates or juvenile courts. Information about the total number of people who failed to pay fines imposed by magistrates' courts could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.