§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average prison sentence imposed for defaulting on a fine; what is the average period actually spent in prison by such a defaulter in Northern Ireland; and what is the average cost of such a person's imprisonment.
§ Sir John WheelerThe average prison sentence imposed for fine defaulting in Northern Ireland is 18 days and the average period actually served by such a defaulter is seven days. These figures have remained constant in recent years.
The current weekly cost of a prisoner, inclusive of all categories, in the Northern Ireland prison system is £1,238. No separate figure for fine defaulters is available.