Howard may ban radical Islamic group

Prime Minister John Howard says he will ban a radical Islamic group operating in Australia if authorities find it is a terrorist threat.

The Government's hard line on Hizb ut-Tahrir has not tempered the group's language, with a spokesman warning that the Government will pay a price for its support of countries occupying Muslim lands.

Spy agency Asio is investigating Hizb ut-Tahrir - which is to be banned in Britain - and is expected to deliver its assessment within days.

Howard said the Government would act to stop any group assessed as a potential threat.