MOVE TO RELIEVE TERROR LAW CONCERNS
Move to relieve terror law concerns
Bill to be rushed through Commons
By Desmond McCartan in London
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 the 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.
If an individual is convicted of membership of a banned body and it is proved that their car or home has been used for terrorism, such assets would in future be liable to be seized.
Bill to be rushed through Commons
By Desmond McCartan in London
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 the 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.
If an individual is convicted of membership of a banned body and it is proved that their car or home has been used for terrorism, such assets would in future be liable to be seized.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0634
Published Date: 01-Sep-98
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