HC Deb 21 February 1978 vol 944 cc582-3W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the working of the Prevention of Terrorism Act; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I announced on 12th December that I had appointed the right hon. Lord Shackleton, K.G., O.B.E. to carry out a review of the operation of the Act.—[Vol. 941, c. 15–16.]

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on Merseyside to the latest available date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Two.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report the charges on which persons have been prosecuted following detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on Merseyside to the latest available date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Four murder, six attempted murder, three conspiracy to cause explosions, four possession of explosive substances, seven firearms offences, one false imprisonment, 13 theft, one possession of an article with intent to cause damage, three burglary, one burglary with intent to cause damage, one impeding arrest, two robbery, one traffic offence.

Some people have been charged with more than one offence.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of detention of persons under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on Merseyside who were later released.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

42 hours.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of detention of persons under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in England and Wales who were later released.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

This information is not held centrally, and could not be obtained without disproportionate effort and expense.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many exclusion orders have been made under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on Merseyside to the latest available date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

25 exclusion orders have been made against persons detained by Merseyside police.

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