HL Deb 19 February 1997 vol 578 c56WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who is responsible for deciding on the bail application made on behalf of Miss Roisin McAliskey, on remand in HMP Holloway following a request for extradition to Germany; whether a decision has yet been made; and if so, on what grounds.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)

Decisions on bail in extradition cases are taken by Bow Street Magistrates' Court, in accordance with the Bail Act 1976. Under that legislation, a fugitive offender has no general right to bail, and magistrates are not obliged to give reasons for refusal of bail in extradition cases.

There is no one final decision; applications for bail on Roisin McAliskey's behalf were made in hearings at Bow Street Magistrates' Court on 4, 13 and 20 December, and on 3 and 16 January. They were not granted. The grounds are a matter for the Bow Street Magistrate.