HC Deb 06 December 1984 vol 69 cc280-1W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures the Government are taking to reduce the number of prostitutes imprisoned for fine default.

Mr. Mellor

We have encouraged magistrates' courts to do what they properly can to reduce the imprisonment of fine defaulters generally, by relating the amount of fines to offenders' means and by prompt follow-up action when default first occurs.