§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute all-party talks on a more effective legal mechanism to combat terrorism than the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. I believe that the Prevention of Terrorism Act provides the powers which are needed for the prevention and investigation of terrorist crime. I am not prepared to weaken those powers while the threat of terrorism remains. However, I am ready to consider any proposals which might improve the effectiveness of the existing powers.