HC Deb 09 November 1998 vol 319 cc32-3W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals have been(a) charged, (b) summarily convicted and (c) convicted on indictment under section 2 or the equivalent section of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 relating to membership of a proscribed organisation in each year since enactment; what percentage of those convicted in each year received a prison sentence; and what percentage of those were sentenced to a term of less than one year. [56320]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 3 November 1998]The following table illustrates the information as requested.

Persons:
Year Proceeded against Found guilty Sentenced to imprisonment Percentage where sentence less than one year
1989 25 23 18 0
1990 33 30 24 0
1991 19 16 10 0
1992 16 15 10 0
1993 28 24 21 0
1994 19 17 17 0
Persons:
Year Proceeded against Found guilty Sentenced to imprisonment Percentage where sentence less than one year
1995 28 24 17 0
1996 7 6 6 0
1997 6 3 3 0

Notes:

  1. 1. Persons were sentenced for offences including membership of a proscribed organisation—not membership only—and hence the length of sentence in each case was more than one year.
  2. 2. The figures may include suspended sentences.
  3. 3. Persons have been charged with membership of a proscribed organisation based on evidence to substantiate that charge, e.g. a more serious charge of murder.