§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many rate defaulters have been sent to prison in each of the last 10 years; and what were the average maximum and minimum sentences.
§ Mr. MellorInformation on the number of persons received on committal by magistrates' courts in default of
Persons received into Prison Department establishments in England and Wales on committal for non payment of rates: by length of committal and type of court 1975, 1980 and 1985 Number of persons1 1975 1980 1985 Length of committal Magistrates' courts County courts Magistrates' courts County courts Magistrates' courts County courts Up to one week 2 4 6 — 9 1 Over one up to two weeks 22 15 33 3 38 3 Over two up to three weeks 11 1 12 1 30 2 Over three weeks up to one month 58 4 120 2 115 3 Over one up to two months 93 1 95 — 83 — Over two up to three months 117 — 152 1 78 1 Over three up to six months 11 — 1 — 1 — Over six months — — — — — — Not recorded 4 — — — — — Total 318 25 419 7 354 10 1 Based on information recorded centrally, which is approximate. Checking of individual cases would involve disproportionate cost.