HC Deb 17 June 1997 vol 296 c141W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what conclusion she has reached as to the willingness of the parties to the peace process to reach an agreement on the decommissioning of illegally held arms; and if she will make a statement. [4149]

Marjorie Mowlam

I believe it should now be possible, in the light of extensive discussion in the multi-party talks, to resolve the question of decommissioning on terms which are broadly acceptable to the talks participants. The Independent Chairmen have been working towards a resolution of the issue, and we have ourselves made intensive efforts, in consultation with the parties and the Irish Government. I hope that proposals can be put forward very soon, and that they will be agreed so as to permit a start to substantive negotiations no later than September.

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