asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons in England and Wales were sent to prison for non-payment of rates in each year from 1964 to 1974, inclusive; and whether, in view of the increase in the numbers of persons appearing before the courts for non-payment of rates, he will henceforth make it a practice to collect information as to their numbers so as to make it available to Parliament.

The following table shows the number of persons received into custody for non-payment of rates in the years 1964–73. The information for 1974 is not yet available.

1964	351
1965	333
1966	392
1967	478
1968	591
1969	656
1970	592
1971	562
1972	487
1973	363

The collection of statistics of proceedings brought in respect of non-payment of rates—which is not a criminal offence—is not a matter for my right hon. Friend.