§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many persons were charged each year in Northern Ireland with offences under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974 and 1976 by Act and section with offences of (a) failing to comply with an exclusion order, (b) contributing to acts of terrorism, (c) withholding information about acts of terrorism and (d offences under section 13(3) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Supplementary Temporary Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976;
(2) how many people were detained each year in Northern Ireland under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974 and 1976 and were not charged with a criminal offence or excluded were held for (a) up to 12 hours, (b) 12 to 24 hours, (c) 24 to 36 hours, (d) 36 to 48 hours, (e) two to three days, (f) three to four days, (g) four to five days, (h) five to six days and (i) six to seven days, respectively;
(3) how many persons detained each year under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 343W 1974 and 1976 were charged with an offence other than an offence committed under the Act; and which of these offences were scheduled offences under the Emergency Provisions Acts.
§ Mr. John PattenStatistics on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts are published on a quarterly basis by the Northern Ireland Office and a copy is placed in the Library of the House. The latest publication was placed in the Library during the week beginning 21 March 1983 and supplies most of the information requested. The great majority of the offences listed in table 4 of the publication are or could be in certain circumstances treated as scheduled offences under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978. The additional information requested, relating to an annual breakdown of charges and periods in custody, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.