HC Deb 19 December 2002 vol 396 cc985-6W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to enable an examining officer to request from the owner of a ship or aircraft specified information even if that information has also been required by immigration officers; and if he will make a statement; [87501]

(2) what plans he has to improve accommodation for special branch officers at airports and ports, and to provide sufficient space to enable persons awaiting interview to sit and be interviewed in private; and if he will make a statement; [87500]

(3) what plans he has (a) to introduce induction and training for special advocates under the Terrorism Act 2000 and (b) to ensure special advocates receive properly prepared instructions; and if he will make a statement; [87495]

(4) what plans he has (a) to improve co-ordination between police forces providing special branch services at ports and airports and (b) to introduce a unified port and borders police force; and if he will make a statement; [87505]

(5) what plans he has to ensure that transport operators improve the accuracy of the manifesto of passengers they carry into the UK; and if he will make a statement; [87502]

(6) what plans he has to propose amendments to the Terrorism Act 2000 to make it a specific offence to be or to have been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [87499]

Mr. Denham

The issues raised by my hon. Friend are among the comments and recommendations made by the noble Lord Carlile of Berriew QC in his independent report on the operation of the Terrorism Act 2000, which was laid before both Houses of Parliament on 26 November.

I will be giving my full consideration to all of these proposals and I will be responding to Lord Carlile on the issues raised in the new year. I will of course report my response to the House.

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