Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many Loyalist paramilitary groups are involved in preparing, commissioning and conducting attacks upon perceived Catholics, Nationalists and Republicans and their property; if he will list the geographical areas in which each group has centred its activity and indicate the paramilitary origin or predecessor organisation of each group; and what his estimate is of the number of active Loyalist paramilitary group affiliates.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Loyalist paramilitary groups are involved in preparing, commissioning and conducting attacks upon perceived Catholics, Nationalists and Republicans and their property; if he will list the geographical areas in which each group has centred its activity and indicate the paramilitary origin or predecessor organisation of each group; and what his estimate is of the number of active Loyalist paramilitary group affiliates. [159549] Mr. Ingram: The indications are that such attacks are attributable to each of the main Loyalist paramilitary groupings, their associates or sympathisers. Unfortunately, these attacks have occurred throughout the Province but primarily occur within the major conurbations. It is not possible to be definite about the numbers attached to each grouping.

Secondary information