UK Parliament / Open data

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill

My Lords, that was a very obvious keeping-down of the head, done in a rather energetic fashion. I would like to raise a point which I raised—obviously rather ineffectively—at the last stage, and that is to ask why the Government make a different provision for the generality of the Bill than for the temporary power provided in Clause 26? Under that power, the Secretary of State can impose enhanced measures on individuals whom she, "““is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, are, or have been, involved in terrorism-related activity””." It does not seem to me that the answer to that question can be that the situation is different. The urgency of the situation—with Parliament not sitting and, as I understand it, a heightened state of security—relates to the ability of the Secretary of State to make an order. However, the balance of probabilities relates to the individual, not to the overall situation. I am glad to see the noble and learned Lord, Lord Lloyd, nodding. I too feel better now, as it is obviously not a completely stupid question. I do not see where the distinction comes, as we would still be considering individuals. It may be that the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay, has answered the question for the Minister, I do not know.
Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
732 c623-4 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
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