Written Statement of 11 February 2004

  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001:Report on Part IV
  The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)
  Lord Carlile of Berriew has completed the report on the operation of Part IV of the WS 50
  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, in 2003, which will be laid before the House today.

  We are grateful to Lord Carlile for his work and I am pleased to note that he is again satisfied that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has certified persons only in appropriate cases and that he has exercised his independent judgment in each case having given due regard to advice from officials.

  We welcome Lord Carlile's recommendations, which we will be considering in detail over the next few weeks. They will provide a useful contribution to the debates.