Imprisonment For Women Tv Licence Defaulters

EDM number 1268 in 1994-95, proposed by Joseph Ashton on 20/06/1995.

That this House notes that Whitby magistrates sentenced Ms West, a single mother with three young children, to prison in the week beginning 19th June for non-payment of a ú70 fine for not having a TV licence and that this was a first offence; further notes that, according to the latest statistics, 293 women were jailed for this offence in 1993, more than all the offences for robbery, burglary, drugs or violence put together; further notes that, in their evidence to the National Heritage Committee, the Magistrates Association said that they deplored this law which punishes 'can't pay' instead of 'won't pay'; further notes that if poor people cannot pay their gas bill or water charges the supply is simply disconnected without court proceedings; and demands that the Secretary of State for the Home Department changes this archaic law and introduces one of civil debt recovery or community service.

This motion has been signed by a total of 50 MPs.