Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 2004. It was answered by Lord Blunkett (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many times the police have used powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000; how many individuals this involved; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures and ref to section 44(1) and section 44(2) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and fact that information on number of individuals involved not available centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the police have used powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000; how many individuals this involved; and if he will make a statement. [145288] Mr. Blunkett: Figures on stops and searches under section 44(1) and section 44(2) of the Terrorism Act 2000 are published annually in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin. During the financial year 2001-02, police conducted a total of 9,239 stops and searches under section 44(1) of the Act and 947 stops and searches under section 44(2). During the financial year 2002-03, police conducted a total of 27,313 stops and searches under section 44(1) of the Act and 4,774 stops and searches under section 44(2). Figures for 2003-04 will be published when the relevant data has been collated and verified. The above data relates to the number of times police exercised powers under section 44 of the Act. Information on the number of individuals involved is not collated centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information