HL Deb 09 December 1987 vol 491 cc301-2WA
Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the review by Viscount Colville of Culross on the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984.

The Earl of Caithness

Viscount Colville of Culross' report of his review of the prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 is published today. We are very grateful to Lord Colville of Culross for his wide ranging and detailed study. I informed the House on 23rd July (cols. 1559–60) that we had decided that it would not be wise to discontinue the powers in Sections 4. 5 and 6 of the Act. The Government have considered the recommendations made by Viscount Colville of Culross on the use of these powers, and have concluded that the decision announced on 23rd July should be confirmed. In considering their response to the report's other recommendations, the Government will wish to take full account of views which may be expressed in Parliament and elsewhere. Viscount Colville of Culross' scrutiny of the operation of the Act in 1987 will be published in advance of the debates on the renewal of the Act.