HL Deb 25 January 2005 vol 668 cc148-9WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons are currently held on remand in connection with terrorism offences; whether they are all men; and how long it is expected to take to bring all cases to court.[HL634]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Currently, 21 men are being held on remand having been charged with terrorist related offences which include conspiracy to cause explosions and conspiracy to murder.

These cases are at different stages in the criminal justice process and it is not therefore possible to give an overview of the timetable of court dates. Cases relating to offences perpetrated by terrorists are often very complex and usually involve in-depth forensic analysis and other detailed information. Therefore, such cases may take longer than those associated with other criminal action.