§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has as to in how many cases an authority for deduction for earning has been issued in respect of non-payment of rates in the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. HowardThe option of an attachment of earnings order is not available to the courts in cases of unpaid rates. It is proposed to provide such a power in relation to the community charge.
§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has as to how many people are currently in prison due to non-payment of rates; and at what annual cost.
§ Mr. HowardIt is estimated that on 31 May 1987, 11 people—all males—were being held in prison for wilful refusal or culpable neglect to pay rates. Estimates of annual costs per inmate are not available for specific types of prisoner, but information on average weekly costs for establishments was published in the "Report on the Work of the Prison Department 1985/86", Cm 11, Appendix 3, tables E, F.