HC Deb 15 April 1993 vol 222 cc721-2W
21. Sir Fergus Montgomery

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has in hand to review the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 forms an essential part of the Government's response to terrorist crime. The powers which it provides are kept under regular review and the operation of the Act is reviewed each year by a person appointed for that purpose.

24. Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

It is difficult to measure the effectiveness of what is essentially a preventative measure but the Prevention of Terrorism Act plays an important part in the prevention and investigation of terrorist crime and in restricting the movement of terrorists and their equipment. In 1992, 497 persons were charged in the United Kingdom following detention under the Act.