§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department was first made aware of the existence of Irish Republican Army extortion rackets in London and other cities in England; what actions have been taken to track down the sources of Irish Republican Army funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdAllegations of IRA extortion appeared in theEvening Standard on 5 February 1988. It is an offence under section 1 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 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 a proscribed organisation. Under schedule 1 to the 1984 Act the Irish Republican Army and the Irish National Liberation Army are proscribed organisations. Any evidence of such offences which comes to light is investigated by the appropriate authorities.