HC Deb 12 June 2002 vol 386 cc1249-50W
8. Mr. Joyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment is of the prospects for further decommissioning of weapons by Loyalist terrorists. [57739]

28. Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his latest assessment is of the prospects of decommissioning of weapons by loyalist terrorists. [57759]

Dr. John Reid

The Government have consistently called for decommissioning from all paramilitary organisations. We have had two acts of decommissioning from the IRA. That must be the start of a process. It is imperative that we now see reciprocation from loyalists, and all groups dismantling all the apparatus of terror.

15. Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on prospects for further decommissioning of IRA weapons. [57746]

Dr. John Reid

The second act of decommissioning, reported on by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning on 8 April 2002, indicates the IRA's commitment to the process. The commission is continuing its contact with the IRA representative to facilitate the ultimate decommissioning of all IRA arms. However, this progress needs to be part of an ongoing process and indeed must involve all paramilitary groups. All paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity and dismantle the apparatus of terrorism.

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