§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give, at the latest and most convenient stated date, the amount of fines imposed which had not been paid; to what extent these are in arrears for periods of one, two, three and more years; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to recover these debts.
§ Mr. BrittanThe total amount of fines outstanding in England and Wales, excluding inner London, on 30 September 1979 was £25,684,662. This figure includes fines imposed but not yet due for payment. Information on the time that unpaid fines have been outstanding is not available. The enforcement of fines is a matter for the courts. They have several methods open to them, including the threat of imprisonment and distress upon goods.