HC Deb 11 May 2001 vol 368 c507W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the decommissioning of terrorist weapons since 1 May 2000. [159865]

Mr. Ingram

Mr. Ramaphosa and Mr. Ahtisaari have reported that they have completed a second inspection of several IRA dumps. On both occasions they reported the dumps held a substantial amount of military material, including explosives and weapons. They remain confident that these weapons and explosives cannot be used without them being aware of it.

This together with the Decommissioning Commission's statement in March announcing its re-engagement with the IRA, represents further progress and an honouring of commitments given by the IRA at the beginning of May 2000.

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