HC Deb 03 December 1975 vol 901 cc582-3W
Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government will meet the total cost of security arrangements at trials of people charged with acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

No. I do not think that it would be appropriate to make an exception in this particular sort of case to the general arrangements for financing policing costs out of police funds, to which of course the Exchequer already makes a substantial contribution both through the 50 per cent. specific police grant and through the rates support grant. But I welcome the proposal of the Association of County Councils that the cost of policing trials which have been transferred and require special security arrangements should be shared between the police authorities concerned.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1), of the charges brought against people initially held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, how many have been withdrawn before coming to trial; and what were the charges in these cases;

(2) how many of the charges brought against people initially held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have led to unsuccessful prosecutions; and what these charges were;

(3) how many of the charges brought against people originally held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act led to successful prosecutions; what sentences were imposed in each case; and how many appeals against conviction are pending.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I regret that this information could not be made available without disproportionate effort.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the photographs and fingerprints of people who have been held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act are retained; if so, where they are filed; and who has access to them.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Photographs and fingerprints of persons detained under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act are being retained by the police while the provisions of the Act remain in force. Only the police have access to this material.