§ 21. Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new measures he is supporting to combat international terrorism. [19802]
§ Mr. HowardThe Government continue to support measures, at home and in international fora, which will enable international terrorism to be countered more effectively. It is a matter of considerable regret that my hon. Friend's Bill, which would extend the law relating to conspiracy or incitement here to commit terrorist and other offences abroad, has not yet made the progress which the Government hoped it would.
As I stated in my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, South and Maldon (Mr. Whittingdale) on 20 February, Official Report, column 756, the Government intend to bring forward in due course proposals to strengthen existing controls on 833W terrorist, including international terrorist, finances. In the European Union and the Group of Seven industrialised countries plus Russia, the United Kingdom has initiated the development of "centres of excellence" directories to enhance counter-terrorist co-operation.
In the United Nations, we promoted the adoption last December of a new declaration on measures to eliminate international terrorism, and we are playing a constructive role in the preparation of a draft international convention for the suppression of terrorist bombings.