§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for authorisations under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 received in the last three years have been(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful. [138506]
§ Mr. BlunkettHome Office records show that since the Terrorism Act came into force on 19 February 2001, 678 stop and search authorisations under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2001 have been confirmed. Of these there have been two instances where the powers have not been confirmed by the Secretary of State.
Each authorisation is given full consideration. They are confirmed only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that their use is necessary to prevent acts of terrorism as set against the background of the current threat level.