HC Deb 19 July 2000 vol 354 cc192-3W
4. Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent developments regarding the inspection of paramilitary weapons dumps. [129863]

6. Mr. Hilary Benn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with General de Chastelain regarding decommissioning. [129865]

Mr. Mandelson

Mr. Ramaphosa and Mr. Ahtisaari have reported that they have completed their first inspection of several IRA arms dumps. We welcome this development—it represents substantial progress and an honouring of commitments given at the beginning of May I am confident the inspectors will report any further progress that has been made when they deem it appropriate to do so.

Equally significant is the renewal of contact by the IRA's representative with General de Chastelain's Decommissioning Body, and they will resume their discussions so that IRA arms are ultimately put completely and verifiably beyond use.

16. Mrs. Betty Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with General de Chastelain about progress to date in decommissioning. [129875]

17. Sir David Madel

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the decommissioning of illegal arms and explosives in Northern Ireland. [129876]

23. Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received on progress towards decommissioning; and if he will make a statement. [129882]

Mr. Ingram

Under the Good Friday Agreement, the Decommissioning Commission operates as an independent body to resolve the decommissioning issue. The Commission has provided written reports on progress on a number of occasions.

20. Mr. Grieve

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the decommissioning of illegal arms and explosives to begin. [129879]

Mr. Ingram

We hope decommissioning will start as soon as possible.