§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ensure tighter safeguards for persons in custody on suspicion of terrorist offences; and if he will introduce video and sound recording of all interviews of such persons and immediate access to legal advice.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 6 November 1989]: Existing arrangements and the scope for further safeguards, including the question of video and sound recording of interviews with terrorist suspects in custody, are kept under regular review. The rights of persons suspected of terrorist offences introduced under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1987 will be considered by Lord Colville in his review of the Emergency Provisions Acts. A guide to the exercise of the emergency powers by the security forces in Northern Ireland, including the detention and questioning of suspects in custody under the terrorism provisions, will be published shortly.