HC Deb 25 July 1991 vol 195 cc791-2W
Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training or guidance material has been issued for magistrates dealing with poll tax cases; if he will place copies of such material in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

Guidance was contained in Home Office circular 23/1990, issued on 14 March 1990, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he now has as to the pre-eminent for national, scientific, historical or artisitc interest which have been accepted in satisfaction of inheritance tax or capital transfer tax, together with information, where applicable, as to conditions or wishes expressed by testators or executors in the matter of allocation; whether he will list the works of art and museum objects which are still awaiting allocation, with the respective dates of their acceptance in satisfaction of inheritance tax or capital transfer tax; and whether a press notice will be issued from his Department covering the information given in his reply.

Mr. Renton

The information the hon. Gentleman requests is as follows:

number of people who have served, or are serving, a prison sentence for non-payment of the 1990–91 poll tax, and the length of their sentences; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

According to the records held centrally, which are approximate, six prisoners had been received into Prison Service establishments in England and Wales by 31 March 1991 following committal for non-payment of the community charge. The periods of committal imposed were 10 days, two weeks, three weeks, one month (2), and three months. Reliable information is not yet available centrally for such prisoners received since March 1991.