HC Deb 23 May 1988 vol 134 c35W
Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give details of incidents in which firearms, previously in the possession of the security forces have been used by paramilitary groups.

Mr. Viggers

[holding answer 26 April 1988]: Weapons formerly in the possession of the security forces which have been stolen or otherwise improperly acquired could well fall into the hands of paramilitary groups and be used for terrorist purposes. However, only if these weapons are subsequently recovered can they be linked forensically with particular acts of terrorism. To provide details of all such cases would involve disproportionate costs and some details may be confidential, but if there are particular cases that the hon. Member has in mind and he could give me the details, I will look into them.