§ Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average fine imposed by magistrates courts in 1988 for river and harbour pollution.
Mr. Heatcoat-AmoryInformation collected by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department shows that for cases brought under sections 31 or 32 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 the average fine imposed by magistrates courts in 1988 for water pollution offences was £560. The maximum fine available is £2,000 and up to three months' imprisonment. On indictment in the Crown Court there is no limit on the fine that may be imposed and terms of imprisonment can be up to two years.