HC Deb 13 May 1998 vol 312 c143W
21. Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many terrorist weapons have been handed in since 10 April; and when she expects to draw up a timetable for the decommissioning of all such weapons. [40701]

Mr. Ingram

No terrorist weapons have yet been decommissioned. The Good Friday Agreement commits all who endorse it to use all their efforts to achieve 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.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations she has received regarding the decommissioning of illegal weapons; and if she will make a statement. [40703]

Mr. Ingram

Many representations have been made to the Government on decommissioning over the last year. It would not be possible to quantify the numerous discussions which have taken place during the Talks process, in meetings with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Ireland.

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