§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to cease using derogation under article 5(3) of the European convention on human rights and article 4 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. [32696]
§ Mr. HowardI have been asked to reply.
Limited derogations under article 15 of the European convention on human rights and article 4 of the international covenant on civil and political rights cover detention by the police on the Secretary of State's authority under the prevention of terrorism Act of persons suspected of involvement in Northern Irish terrorism. The Government continue to keep the need for the derogations under review but it is too early to be satisfied that they could safely be withdrawn.