§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what records her Department maintains on those people who disappeared during the Troubles; and if she will urge paramilitary groups to release any information which they have on their whereabouts. [48296]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Northern Ireland Office does not maintain records on people who disappeared during the Troubles. The RUC, however, hold open files on those known as "The Disappeared". The Government have urged paramilitary groups and representatives of such groups to convey information about this matter to the RUC, and will continue to do so in the future. It is vital that the issue is resolved within the context of the Agreement.