asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons at present wanted by the police on criminal charges who are believed to be living outside the jurisdiction; and whether efforts are being made in all these cases to have the persons involved returned to this country for trial.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Persons Wanted by Police Authorities.
31.
While a person may be said to be "wanted by the police" even in respect of a summary charge in relation to which a summons has been issued, he is normally subject to arrest only on foot of a warrant. In the context of the bringing-back of persons from abroad, however, the question whether the offence is or is not extraditable can also arise and the position is further complicated by the unsatistory state in which the law governing extradition is at present.
As the House is aware, I hope to introduce new extradition legislation in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, I do not consider that it would be in the public interest for me to attempt to give any figures that would necessarily have to be accompanied by an explanation which could well assist criminals to evade the law.