§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the dates on which arrests were made in connection with recent terrorist threats in the United Kingdom. [90146]
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 13 January 2003]: Since 1 December 2002 and to date, a total of 50 arrests have been made under the Terrorism Act 2000. 29 of those were released without charge and 20 were charged with a range of offences under the Terrorism Act. A further one still remains in custody.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with other Departments about the timing of announcements relating to the discovery of terrorist threats in Britain. [90147]
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 13 January 2003]: There are regular discussions on the whole range of counter terrorist issues through a number of committees. Where intelligence exists about specific threats we seek to thwart them and take whatever response we believe necessary to ensure the protection of the public. If the Government or the police thought it was necessary to give the public a specific warning we would do it without hesitation. Our prime consideration is their safety.