HC Deb 08 March 1989 vol 148 cc581-2W
88. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on international co-operation on reducing overseas funding of the IRA.

Mr. Ian Stewart

The Government are well aware of the need for close international co-operation against all forms of terrorism and are consistently active in promoting such co-operation. In particular, there are provisions in the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Bill currently before Parliament for bilateral agreements with other countries to make reciprocal arrangements which

Claims made Claims outstanding
Total Personal injury Total compensation paid in each year Total Personal injury
£000' S
1983–84 2,674 1,399 704 260 147
1984–85 3,052 1,806 961 382 252

would allow for the enforcement of orders made abroad to restrain or forfeit terrorist funds. We will be encouraging countries with similar legislation to enter into such agreements.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has already outlined the Government's proposals to EC colleagues in the Trevi forum and has agreed that these should form the basis of a study into ways of dealing with terrorist finances. The possibility of having reciprocal enforcement arrangements will be pursued actively once Parliament has agreed to the new provisions.