60. Following that judgement, the Home Secretary informed Parliament on 6 December 1988 that, against the background of the continuing terrorist campaign in the United Kingdom, and the overriding need to bring terrorists to justice, the Government did not believe that the maximum period of detention should be reduced. He informed Parliament that the Government was examining the matter with a view to responding to the judgement. On 22 December 1988, the Secretary of State further informed Parliament that it remained the Government's wish, if it could be achieved, to find a judicial process under which extended detention might be reviewed and, where appropriate, authorized by a judge or other judicial officer. But a further period of reflection and consultation was necessary before the Government could bring forward a firm and final view. In the meantime, a derogation was to be entered.
Article 6
Capital punishment
61.
The legal position on capital punishment has not changed since the second periodic report. The death penalty for murder was abolished in 1965 and, although it remains on the Statute Book for offences of treason and piracy, it is in practice no longer carried out for any offence.
62.
The most recent parliamentary debate took place in the House of Commons in June 1988. In accordance with the policies of successive governments, members of the House of Commons were given a free vote and the Government collectively remained neutral. Reintroduction of capital punishment was defeated by 341 votes to 218.
Life expectancy
63. Life expectancy for men and women continues to increase, while the rate for still births, neonatal and perinatal mortality in 1987 (the latest date for which figures are available) shows a slight though continuing improvement compared with 1985, as the attached tables show (see annex to this report). The Government is concerned to increase life expectancy and reduce infant mortality further. It supports campaigns against smoking and drug and alcohol misuse, and is promoting preventive measures against coronary heart disease and cancer. The Government has announced a major new initiative to find out why babies die, and local health authorities will be set targets for the reduction of infant mortality rates.
Use of firearms by the police
64.
Police officers in Great Britain are generally unarmed. Firearms are issued only to properly qualified officers, and then under strict controls and only when operational circumstances require. The Home Office has issued guidelines to the police on the issue and use of firearms. These set out the principles governing issue and use; the level of authorization required before firearms may be issued to police officers; the conditions of issue and use; the importance of sound briefing and planning for any armed operation; and the principle of minimum force. A copy of these guidelines is attached (see annex to this report).
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