§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the references in the report of his working group on magistrates' courts on the question of the enforcement of the payment of fines imposed by the courts; and what action he has taken or intends taking in the light of this report to ensure the payment of outstanding fines.
§ Mr. MayhewThe working group on magistrates' courts was charged with reviewing the kind of help which might most usefully be given to magistrates' courts in improving fine enforcement procedures. Its suggestions in this area mainly relate to changes of practice and procedure which might be adopted in the offices of clerks to justices. Copies of the report have accordingly been sent to all justices' clerks as well as to other interested individuals and representative bodies. Other action to follow up the report is under consideration.