Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with the decommissioning of terrorists' weapons in Northern Ireland; what steps she is taking to accelerate that progress; and if she will ensure that comprehensive decommissioning is achieved within six months. [39380]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government, together with the Government of the Republic of Ireland have put in place all the mechanisms to enable decommissioning to happen. 267W In signing up to the Good Friday Agreement, the two Governments and the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations and confirmed their intention to use their influence to achieve the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms within two years following endorsement of the Agreement. As part of the Agreement, the two Governments have undertaken to bring the relevant decommissioning schemes into force by the end of June.