§ 21. Ms. Harmanasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will review they list of scheduled offences with a view to descheduling lesser offences and those unconnected with terrorism.
§ Mr. ScottThe Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 is currently the subject of an independent review by Sir George Baker. I intend to await such recommendations as Sir George may make in this, as in other matters.
§ Ms. HarmanDoes not the Minister regard it as nonsense that offences such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm which might have nothing at all to do with terrorism are nevertheless tried by a judge without a jury as if the offence was to do with terrorism? Does he agree that this brings the law into disrepute?
§ Mr. ScottAs I said earlier, that type of allegation is, I am sure, being considered by Sir George Baker. Let us wait for his report.