HC Deb 01 July 2002 vol 388 cc136-7W
Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his plans to inform persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities that their cases will not be pursued. [63943]

Dr. John Reid

We are still considering how best to implement the proposals which we and the Irish Government made in relation to this following the Weston Park talks. In the meantime, any inquiries received in relation to individuals wishing to establish whether they are wanted in Northern Ireland in relation to suspected terrorist activities have been communicated to the Attorney-General, who has referred them to the prosecuting authorities and the police.

Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (I) how many people suspected of involvement in terrorist activities have been informed by the Northern Ireland Office since 10 April 1998 that they are no longer wanted by the prosecuting authorities; [63945]

(2) how many people residing outside the United Kingdom and suspected of involvement in terrorist activities have been informed by the Northern Ireland Office since 10 April 1998 that if they return to any part of the United Kingdom their cases will not be pursued by the prosecuting authorities. [639421

Dr. John Reid

As a result of inquiries received and referred to the prosecuting authorities and the police, 32 individuals have been informed over the past two years that they are not wanted for arrest in relation to terrorist offences. In accordance with the policy announced by my predecessor on 29 September 2000, an additional 25 persons, who had left Northern Ireland without completing their sentences, have been informed since then that they can return to Northern Ireland without serving more time in custody and that the prosecuting authorities and police have confirmed they will not face fresh charges.

Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many people suspected of involvement in terrorist activities will benefit from the provisions contained in paragraph 20 of the joint proposals published by the British and Irish Governments on 1 August 2001; [63944]

(2) how many people stand to benefit from the measures envisaged in paragraph 20 of the joint communique issued by her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Irish Republic on 1 August 2001 following their meeting at Weston Park. [56292]

Jane Kennedy

The British and Irish Governments recognised at the talks at Weston Park last summer that the issue of terrorists on the run needed to be dealt with. Paragraph 20 of the joint communique made following those talks committed both Governments to taking steps to resolve this issue. The Government stands by that commitment and is considering the options for discharging it. Until the Government have concluded how best to resolve the matter, it is not possible to give a reliable estimate of how many people it would effect.