HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 cc412-3W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if Mr. John Rowe QC will be making further reports on the working of(a) the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) act 1978 and (b) the prevention of terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. [8524]

Sir John Wheeler

It is not my intention to ask John Rowe QC to carry out a report on the operation in 1995 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991, given that the successor legislation is undergoing its parliamentary stages. The question of a report on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 falls to my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. As my right hon. and learned Friend stated in the House on 9 January 1996,Official Report column 33, we understand that Mr Rowe has been asked to report on the operation of that Act in 1995.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who the Government have commissioned to conduct their review of emergency legislation; what assistance that person will receive from others; what are the terms of reference; and when the reviewing body is expected to report. [8482]

Sir John Wheeler

I refer the hon. Member to the speech of my right hon. and learned Friend on Second Reading of Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Bill on 9 January 1996,Official Report, columns 31–39.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which amendments accepted by the Government in respect of the workings of the emergency provisions legislation were suggested by(a) Lord Gardiner, (b) Sir George Baker, (c) Lord Colville and (d) Mr. John Rowe QC. [8523]

Sir John Wheeler

The following proposed amendments to the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Bill were recommended by(a) Lord Gardiner; (b) Sir George Baker; (c) Lord Colville and (d) John Rowe QC in their respective command papers: Changes to schedule 1 by making offences under sections 8 and 10 of the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969—robbery and aggravated burglary—capable of being certified out: Baker and Rowe. Take provision of more flexible scheme for time limits on remand under clause 8: Rowe. The creation of an offence of failing to stop for a search under clause 20: Rowe. Changing the authority for searches from Chief Inspector to Inspector in clauses 20 and 23: Rowe.