HC Deb 04 May 1999 vol 330 c321W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she last received a progress report from General De Chastelain on the decommissioning of terrorist weapons; and if she will make a statement. [83070]

Mr. Ingram

The Secretary of State last met with the Decommissioning Commission on 22 March, the Prime Minister met them on 30 March and I met them on 22 April. The Commission also meets regularly and frequently with both Governments at official level. The Commission continues its discussions with representatives of the various groups and parties.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs associated with the International Commission on Disarmament established to oversee the decommissioning of terrorist weapons. 1830711

Mr. Ingram

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning is funded jointly by the British and Irish Governments. The total expenditure associated with the Commission shared by both Governments, up to 31 March 1999, was IR £1,905,830.57. The British Government's share of this was STG £803,379.46.