Counter-Terrorism Bill
2:15 pm
Tony McNulty: The strict answer is within 30 days, because that is what is in the Bill. However, I said clearly, which goes to Mr. Grieve’s point—I understand entirely why he has had to go—that it is a matter that we should explore further in Committee. Mr. Salter, and again I understand why he is not here today, has been in the press saying why not seven to 10 days, or why not mirror more closely the CCA provision that says that you have to come to the House within seven days. I genuinely say that these are matters that we can and should explore. The one compelling point that people make is that if it is 30 days—I remind the Committee that the Bill says “within” 30 days—then clearly the order could have been commenced and someone duly detained for up to 42 days, before Parliament has had any say on it other than the compulsory report to Parliament that the Home Secretary will simply write within two days. That is an area we should explore further.