§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice has been given and what administrative guidelines issued to ensure that an arrested person is aware of the implications of failing to mention 483W a material fact concerning the offence of belonging to a proscribed and specified organisation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of such documents. [56319]
§ Mr. McLeishA letter was sent to Scottish Chief Constables on 15 September outlining the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998. The letter advised that a special warning be given to anyone being questioned about membership of a specified organisation, so that they are aware of the implications of failing to mention a fact material to the offence. I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library. A Scottish Office Circular of guidance on the Act will be issued shortly.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many individuals have been(a) charged, (b) summarily convicted and (c) convicted on indictment under section 2 or the equivalent section of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 relating to membership of a proscribed organisation in each year since enactment; what percentage of those convicted in each year received a prison sentence; and what percentage of those were sentenced to a term of less than one year. [56318]
§ Mr. McLeishOn the basis of the latest information, no individuals have been proceeded against or convicted in Scottish courts for an offence under Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989, or equivalent sections.