Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996

HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 c2W

Ms Coffey

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will publish the report by Mr. J. J. Rowe QC on the operation during 1999 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996. [124533]

Mr. Ingram

Mr. Rowe's Report is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library.

Mr. Rowe recommends the continuance of the EPA powers.

A continuance Order has been laid to continue in force the EPA until 24 August, the date on which the Act will expire.

Before 24 August, the EPA will be replaced by the Terrorism Bill, currently before the House of Lords.

Under the Terrorism Bill, temporary emergency provisions for Northern Ireland will be set in the context of permanent UK-wide counter-terrorism powers.