§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has received any representations seeking the introduction of the day fine system as operated in several European countries; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received regarding the growth in the number of people imprisoned for fine default.
§ Mr. MellorThe number of people imprisoned for fine default has been declining for several years. In 1985, nearly 20,300 fine defaulters were received into Prison Department establishments, compared with the peak figure of 24,500 defaulters in 1982. My right hon. Friend is considering whether a system of day fines, which has been advocated by a number of organisations, most recently the parliamentary all-party penal affairs group, would lead to a further reduction in the number of those imprisoned in default.