DEBTORS IN PRISON
NEARLY 4000 LAST YEAR. There were 84 persons in prison in Britain lately for non-payment of income tax. This fact was revealed by an official of the Prison Commissioners. “ Nearly 4000 persons were imprisoned last year for all forms of debt,” the official said, “but 1010 were released when they paid, after a few days. The total of those imprisoned for income tax throughout the year was one of the lowest on record.”
Defaulters can be sent to prison for from one to 42 days—but no longer. The usual period of imprisonment, even in the case of large sums, is from seven to 14 days. The sentence does not clear the debt. The income tax authorities can proceed again for the recovery if the debtor’s financial position improves. The punishment is not for debt, but for contempt of the court’s order to pay.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21578, 25 February 1932, Page 5
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146DEBTORS IN PRISON Otago Daily Times, Issue 21578, 25 February 1932, Page 5
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