Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2009.

Northern Ireland: Weapons

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the recent decommissioning of weapons by loyalist groups in Northern Ireland is assisting progress towards the devolution of criminal justice and penal administration.

Answer: The Government welcome the confirmation by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning of a major decommissioning event by the UVF/Red Hand Commandos and a significant move on decommissioning by the UDA/UFF in Northern Ireland. While a decision on the timing of the devolution of policing and justice remains for the Assembly to make, such steps send a clear signal that all sides of the community in Northern Ireland are committed to the political process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4694; 712 c188WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Administration of justice Decommissioning Devolution Northern Ireland Police Weapons
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk