§ 35. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Attorney-General what consideration he has given, in his capacity as Attorney-General for Northern Ireland, to the papers on preventive justice submitted to him.
§ The Attorney-General (Mr. S. C. Silkin)I am grateful to the hon. Member for bringing to my attention a memorandum on preventive justice prepared by a member of the Northern Ireland and English Bars. I have discussed it with the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. Whilst it is primarily a matter for the police and the courts, the Director and I will have regard to it as occasions may arise.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhile I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he does not think that perhaps there should be a greater sense of urgency in view of the appalling events and depressing criminal statistics for Northern Ireland, which reveal very little progress in the restoration of law and order? Is not this instrument, which has been used in Northern Ireland in the past, something which could be very useful?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am bound to tell the hon. Gentleman that we do not see this particular instrument as adding much to the law as it stands, but, where there is an opportunity we shall have regard to it.