GOVERNMENT CALMS TERROR LAW FEARS
Government in move to calm terror law fears
By Desmond McCartan
THE Government today moved to pacify fresh criticism of its emergency counter-terrorism powers.
Ministers met to finalise the legislation as it was revealed that courts will be given powers to order the seizure of terrorists' homes and other assets.
But back bench Labour hostility to the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill, to be rushed through the Commons and tne Lords in the next 72 hours, continued.
Former party spokesman Kevin McNamara will table a reasoned amendment to question the Government's approach in response to the Omagh bomb outrage.
The critics complained at the lack of time for proper scrutiny.
In particular Labour MPs are concerned about the admissibility of the word of a senior police officer to prove membership of a banned body and the refusal to answer questions as corroboration.
Cabinet minister Jack Cunningham played down the risk of a widespread revolt and said that once the Bill was studied, the anxieties would be overcome.
But Labour MP Robin Corbett warned that the Government's attitude was "wholly the wrong direction".
The Government, he claimed, was putting the Good Friday Agreement to one side and using "the iron fist".
The Bill's schedule will specify the target organisations - Real IRA. Continuity IRA. INLA and the LVF.
By Desmond McCartan
THE Government today moved to pacify fresh criticism of its emergency counter-terrorism powers.
Ministers met to finalise the legislation as it was revealed that courts will be given powers to order the seizure of terrorists' homes and other assets.
But back bench Labour hostility to the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill, to be rushed through the Commons and tne Lords in the next 72 hours, continued.
Former party spokesman Kevin McNamara will table a reasoned amendment to question the Government's approach in response to the Omagh bomb outrage.
The critics complained at the lack of time for proper scrutiny.
In particular Labour MPs are concerned about the admissibility of the word of a senior police officer to prove membership of a banned body and the refusal to answer questions as corroboration.
Cabinet minister Jack Cunningham played down the risk of a widespread revolt and said that once the Bill was studied, the anxieties would be overcome.
But Labour MP Robin Corbett warned that the Government's attitude was "wholly the wrong direction".
The Government, he claimed, was putting the Good Friday Agreement to one side and using "the iron fist".
The Bill's schedule will specify the target organisations - Real IRA. Continuity IRA. INLA and the LVF.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0333
Published Date: 01-Sep-98
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