§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is taken to ensure that money from the black economy is not used to support illicit political groups in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Prior:Section 21 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 makes it illegal for anyone to solicit or invite financial or other support for a proscribed organisation or knowingly to make or receive any contribution, in money or otherwise, to the resources of those organisations. The Royal Ulster Constabulary investigates any evidence of funds passing to such terrorist organisations, and has recently announced the formation of a special detective team to investigate racketeering and any other methods by which these groups might raise funds for illegal activity.