Clause 23 — Extension of period of detention by judicial Authority

Part of Orders of the Day — Terrorism Bill – in the House of Commons at 4:00 pm on 9 November 2005.

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Photo of Michael Mates Michael Mates Conservative, East Hampshire 4:00, 9 November 2005

I do not dissent from what my hon. Friend says. Irrespective of how it is done, something needs to be done because there has been a lack of information for some time.

Let us look at the situation realistically. If the Government are defeated on the first vote and the amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Walsall, North is pressed to a Division, there is little doubt that it will be passed because everyone agrees that the police need more time. However, if that amendment is incorporated in the Bill, there will be absolutely no chance of getting it out. That might be what some people want, but it is not what I want because I know that the amount of time proposed in the amendment is inadequate. I still believe that provided that we can move the debate on, sensible people will be persuaded by fuller disclosure and argument.