§ Mr. Frank Maguireasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how often during the period from 1st January 1978 to 1st June 1978 he has exercised the powers conferred upon him by Section 12(2) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976 by extending the period of the detention for a further period not exceeding five days.
§ Mr. MasonSixty-six extensions of detention under Section 12(2) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976 have been granted in Northern Ireland between 1st January and 1st June 1978.
64WCongress of Trade Unions (NIC/ICTU) in the last two complete financial years as detailed below:
§ Mr. Frank Maguireasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether the powers of arrest and detention, which it is now proposed to renew for a period of six months by virtue of the draft Northern Ireland Emergency Provisions Act 1978 (Continuance) Order 1978 whereby a person arrested may be detained for up to 72 hours without being charged, are sufficient in all the circumstances prevailing in Northern Ireland at the present time to justify the repeal of Section 12 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976 with a view to giving reassurance to the general public, particularly at a time when abuses of police power are being alleged;
(2) if he will arrange for the end of three-day and seven-day detention immediately.
§ Mr. MasonThe power conferred by Section 11 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 is an important element of the law in the campaign against terrorism, and I do not believe that its immediate repeal would be justified. The workings of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976. including the provisions of Section 12, is the subject of an independent review currently being undertaken by Lord Shackleton.