HL Deb 08 April 1987 vol 486 cc1105-6WA
Lord Renton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to review the Prevention of Terrorism legislation before the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 expires in March 1989.

Lord Beaverbrook

My right honourable friend has asked Viscount Colville of Culross QC, who carried out the 1986 annual scrutiny of the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1984 and will perform the same function in 1987, to carry out a general review of the Act. We are pleased to announce that Lord Colville has accepted this invitation. The terms of reference of his inquiry will be based on those given to Lord Shackleton and Lord Jellicoe when they reviewed the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts, 1974 and 1976, and will be as followsAccepting the continuing need for legislation against terrorism, to assess the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1984, with particular regard to the effectiveness of the legislation and its effect on the liberties of the subject, and to report.". Lord Colville's report will be published as a Command Paper.

Any individual or organization who wishes to submit written observations on matters relevant to Lord Cloville's terms of reference should write to him, before 31st July, at Room 14, Hepburn House, Marsham Street, London SWIP 4HW.