---

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his response. I also thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this debate for the contributions they have made based, I have to say, on considerably more experience and knowledge of the issues involved than I can claim to possess. Perhaps I should also congratulate the noble Baroness, Lady Hayman, for her determination on this point with the previous Government. There is no disagreement that this amendment raises a key issue of real significance. It is about parliamentary oversight of extraordinary and exceptional executive powers which directly affect to a considerable degree the freedom and liberty of a small number of individuals whom the Secretary of State reasonably believes are or have been involved in terrorist activity. That oversight, involving human rights and civil liberties, cannot be properly exercised if done only once every five years. In reality, the Bill would only be amended or dropped in the intervening years if it was the Government, not Parliament, that wanted to change the legislation. That is surely a fact of life. I have listened to the Minister’s reply. It clearly does not meet the concerns that have been expressed; indeed, I do not think it goes any further than the position he set out at Second Reading. However, I will read Hansard carefully to confirm that my view of the Minister’s reply is correct, as I am fairly sure it is, before deciding whether to pursue the matter on Report. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment 62 withdrawn. Amendment 63 not moved. Clause 31 agreed. Bill reported without amendment.