§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish the report from Mr. J. J. Rowe, QC on the operation in 1996 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996; and if he will make a statement on the provisions contained in the Act. [19525]
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§ Sir Patrick MayhewI have received Mr. Rowe's report. It is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library. I am most grateful to him for his work.
With the resumption of violence in Northern Ireland, there is renewed use of the powers contained in the Act. Mr. Rowe believes the Act remains necessary. This is also the view of the Government. I am therefore laying before the House today a draft order which would continue for a further year those provisions in the Act which are currently in force.