§ Mr. John TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the terrorist safeguards in place in the Solihull and Birmingham areas, with particular reference to(a) tools, (b) legislation and (c) funding. [108801]
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§ Mr. BlunkettSafeguards are in place right across the country to combat the threat posed by terrorism. It would not be appropriate in the interests of security to comment on the particular safeguards or operational procedures adopted by a local area. Day to day operational considerations are a matter for the heads of the appropriate authorities in that area.
Before 11 September, the UK already had strong antiterrorism measures in place. The Terrorism Act 2000 was aimed in large part at reinforcing our response to international terrorism. The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 further strengthens our existing legislation.
The security and intelligence agencies continue to gather, analyse and assess intelligence, working closely with other agencies, to thwart and disrupt those individuals and organisations involved in the facilitation, preparation or commission of terrorist acts.
£87 million of additional counter terrorism funding was provided by Home Office in 2002–03 which included £14 million for provincial forces to be administered through the Association of Chief Police Officers. Following on from the Budget on 9 April, I announced an additional £331 million over three years to further enhance our present counter-terrorism measures.