§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many applications have been made for security certificates, under section 42(1) of the Fair Employment (NI) Act 1976, each year since 1976;
(2) how many security certificates have been signed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under section 42(1) of the Fair Employment (NI) Act 1976 each year since 1976;
(3) if he will make a statement outlining the nature of evidence usually submitted with regard to security certificate applications; and on what grounds he satisfies himself that such a certificate is warranted;
(4) why persons named in security certificates signed under section 42(1) of the Fair Employment (NI) Act 1976 are not informed as to the grounds and evidence on which such certificates are issued; and what means of redress are available to such persons.
§ Mr. ButlerNo central record is kept of the number of applications made for security certificates under section 42(1) of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976. However, the number of such certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland each year since 1976 is as follows:
Number 1976 Nil 1977 Nil 1978 2 1979 1 1980 3 1981 3 1982 1 1983 1 1984* 3 Total 14 * To date The grounds upon which security certificates may issue will vary from case to case but will always be strictly related to the terms of section 42(1) of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976, namely, the safeguarding of national security, protection of public safety or public order.
The Act does not require the persons named in security certificates to be informed of the basis on which such certificates are issued, nor does it provide for appeal against their issue.