More scrutiny of control orders

Lord Carlile worried about the psychological effects of the orders

The anti-terror "control orders", which give ministers the power to put terror suspects under effective house arrest, are to be reviewed four times a year.

The increase from once-a-year reviews comes after watchdog Lord Carlile raised concerns about the orders.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke says each case will be examined by a new police and intelligence service panel.

Control orders were brought in for cases where there is not enough evidence for a criminal prosecution.

They allow a series of different restrictions to be placed on suspects' freedom, up to what is effectively seen as house arrest.

'Psychological effects'

Mr Clarke said: "We accept that there is scope for additional review within the life cycle of a control order and have discussed with stakeholders how best to achieve this.

"The Home Office has established a review group with representation from law enforcement and intelligence agencies to keep the obligations in every control order under regular quarterly, formal and audited review."

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Carlile was given full access to Home Office files, including sensitive intelligence reports, as part of his role as an independent reviewer of anti-terrorism laws.

Earlier this year he expressed concern about the "potential psychological effects" of control orders and urged the Home Office to carry out regular reviews of each case to see if the conditions imposed on individuals were still required.

Belmarsh detainees

He said the Home Office should have secured agreements, known as memoranda of understanding, before locking up men, who include radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada.

Control orders were brought in last year after an attempt to hold suspects without charge at Belmarsh jail following a challenge under the Human Rights Act.

It is thought that 21 control orders have been made, but only 12 remain in force, including three on UK nationals.