§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are taking steps to reduce the number of persons arrested each year in Northern Ireland, without being suspected of involvement in a particular offence and later released without charge.
The Earl of GowrieThe law does not permit the arrest of persons who are suspected neither of involvement in criminal offences nor of being terrorists. It is open to any person who feels that he has been wrongfully arrested to complain and seek redress through the courts. Any suggestion that the law is being misapplied would also be a matter which would fall within the scope of the review of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978, which my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has already announced.