HC Deb 01 May 2002 vol 384 cc837-8W
10. Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest act of decommissioning by the IRA. [51676]

Jane Kennedy

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning reported, on 8 April 2002, that it had witnessed an event in which the IRA leadership has put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use. The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning confirmed that they have made an inventory of the arms concerned.

11. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to bring about further decommissioning of weapons. [51678]

Jane Kennedy

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning reported, on 8 April 2002, that it had witnessed an event in which the IRA leadership has put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use.

The process is on-going and we now need to see loyalist groups commence decommissioning. There needs also to be a decommissioning of mindsets. Terrorist groups must end all forms of paramilitary activity and dismantle the apparatus of terrorism. The timing of any future decommissioning events is a matter for the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and the representatives of the various paramilitary organisations.

16. Andrew Selous

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the amount of IRA weapons recently put beyond use as a proportion of the estimated total IRA weapons arsenal. [51683]

Jane Kennedy

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning reported, on 8 April 2002, that it had witnessed an event in which the IRA leadership has put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use. The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning confirmed that they have made an inventory of the arms concerned. It has not been possible at this time to assess the percentage of the Provisional IRA's weaponry involved.

The Commission's mandate under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement is to facilitate the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms. The Government have every confidence in General de Chastelain and his colleagues and respect their wishes on how best to proceed to fulfil their mandate.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many weapons the IRA has put beyond use; when this process was completed; what confirmation he has received from General John de Chastelain that the process is on-going; and if he will make a statement on the process of decommissioning. [42913]

Dr. John Reid

The second IRA act of decommissioning on 8 April 2002 demonstrates that the IRA is committed to the continuation of the decommissioning process.

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning have confirmed they have made an inventory of the arms concerned—the British and Irish Governments will be provided with this when the task is completed.