§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to increase the penalties for offences committed by moneylenders in the course of their activities, particularly regarding the practice of requiring social security and child benefit books as security for loans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe penalties available for the punishment of offences committed under section 23 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976 are, on summary conviction, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding £1,000, or both.
We are satisfied that these penalties provide sufficient scope for the punishment of such offences.