§ 15. Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of progress on the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [76693]
§ Mr. IngramThe Good Friday agreement committed all the participants to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations. The participants also confirmed their intention to work constructively and in good faith with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and to use any influence they may have to achieve the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms within two years of last May's referendum and in the context of the implementation of the overall settlement.
284W
§ 21. Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what report she has received from General De Chastelain on the status of parties in the Assembly in relation to decommissioning. [76699]
§ Mr. IngramI understand that discussions continue between various Assembly parties and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.
§ 25. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will consider the purchase of arms from paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland as part of the process of decommissioning. [76703]
§ Mr. IngramDecommissioning schemes were agreed in June 1998 after extensive consultation. The schemes do not provide for the purchase of paramilitary arms since that option was not supported by the parties.
§ 28. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she last met the Taoiseach to discuss matters relating to the issue of the decommissioning of paramilitary weaponry. [76706]
§ Mr. IngramMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last formally met with the Taoiseach on 3 February and they also met again during their recent visits to the USA for St. Patrick's day.
§ 29. Miss KirkbrideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of progress on the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [76707]
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations she has received on when the decommissioning of illegally held weapons and explosives will begin. [76683]
§ Mr. IngramI have welcomed the start to decommissioning made by the LVF on 18 December. The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning is continuing its vital work. It is time for all groups to play their part in the full implementation of the agreement; they should start to decommission now.