§ 21. Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has recently made to and received from Sinn Fein on the implementation of the Belfast agreement. [107700]
§ Mr. MandelsonI have met Sinn Fein representatives on a number of occasions in recent weeks. Those discussions have focused on the need to ensure that the Good Friday agreement is fully implemented including the complete decommissioning of all paramilitary arms by May 2000.
§ 23. Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Belfast agreement. [107702]
§ Mr. MandelsonBoth Governments are working intensively to try to secure further progress on decommissioning as an essential part of the peace process. An enabling power to put the various institutions on hold is being considered in another place. I hope this legislation will not be required but the process of decommissioning intentions must be clear if further confidence in the present arrangements is to be sustained.