Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989

20 Interpretation

(1) In this Act—

• “aircraft” includes hovercraft;

• “captain” means master of a ship or commander of an aircraft;

• “examining officer” has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 5 to this Act;

• “exclusion order” has the meaning given by section 4(3) above but subject to section 25(3) below;

• “the Islands” means the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man;

• “port” includes airport and hoverport;

• “premises” includes any place and in particular includes—

  (a)

  any vehicle, vessel or aircraft;

  (b)

  any offshore installation as defined in section 1 of the [1971 c. 61.] Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971; and

  (c)

  any tent or moveable structure;

• “property” includes property wherever situated and whether real or personal, heritable or moveable and things in action and other intangible or incorporeal property;

• “ship” includes every description of vessel used in navigation;

• “terrorism” means the use of violence for political ends, and includes any use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear;

• “vehicle” includes a train and carriages forming part of a train.

(2) A constable or examining officer may, if necessary, use reasonable force for the purpose of exercising any powers conferred on him under or by virtue of any provision of this Act other than paragraph 2 of Schedule 5; but this subsection is without prejudice to any provision of this Act, or of any instrument made under it, which implies that a person may use reasonable force in connection with that provision.

(3) The powers conferred by Part II and section 16 of, and Schedules 2 and 5 to, this Act shall be exercisable notwithstanding the rights conferred by section 1 of the [1971 c. 77.] Immigration Act 1971 (general principles regulating entry into and stay in the United Kingdom).

(4) Any reference in a provision of this Act to a person having been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism shall be taken to be a reference to his having been so concerned at any time, whether before or after the passing of this Act.