Anger over terror Bill delay; Peers accuse Government of contempt.

Byline: AMANDA BROWN

ANGRY Conservative peers accused the Government of behaving in an 'outrageous' fashion after it emerged that debate on the bitterly contested new anti-terrorism powers would have to be delayed.

The row was sparked at the beginning of business in the Lords after Government chief whip Lord Grocott asked the House for a short adjournment to finalise details of new amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Bill.

Conservative former Cabinet Minister Lord Forsyth said: 'I really would like to protest in the strongest possible terms.

'I have struggled this morning to try and understand the Government's amendments and amendments made by other members of the House

'It is impossible to follow it because what the Government is doing is re-writing the whole Bill by amendments - amendments that have not been considered by the Commons.

'If I were a member of the Commons, I would feel grossly offended.'

Peers were due to start a marathon session on detailed committee stage of the Bill but it became clear the new amendments were not ready for debate.

Labour backbencher Lord Campbell-Savours said in fact the debate was 'Parliament working at its best'.

However, the Conservative Earl of Onslow said the Bill was not one 'to reorganise Scunthorpe Borough Council. It is a Bill which is going to allow the Government to lock up a British subject on bizarre rules, enhanced by evidence from overseas intelligence services which could well have been extracted by torture'.

'The amendments produced for us are not even ready yet and we have got to overturn years of British liberty to what is politely called a foul-up. But Parliament for once is doing its duty.'

Former law lord Lord Ackner said there was growing apprehension among the judiciary that will be 'dragged into the political scene by being asked to rubber stamp a procedure that is quite alien to their function'.

After an adjournment of about 15 minutes, peers later began the committee stage.

The committee stage continues next Monday in the Lords when key votes are expected.

The Bill is intended to introduce control orders for terrorist suspects enabling the authorities to impose curfews, tagging, bans on telephone and internet use, and, in the most serious cases, house arrest.

Earlier this week, Tony Blair rejected a surprise offer from the Conservatives which could have cleared the way for the Bill to reach the Statute Book if the Government accepted that it would expire after eight months.

The Tories said the introduction of a 'sunset clause' would mean that a new, more considered Bill could be brought forward in the autumn, well away from the heated atmosphere of an impending General Election.

However, Mr Blair insisted that the measure was unnecessary as the Bill was already subject to annual review