Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 November 2004. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on organised crime in Northern Ireland. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on organised crime in Northern Ireland. [196181] Mr. Pearson: The levels of organised criminality remain unacceptably high in Northern Ireland. The Organised Crime Task Force Threat Assessment, which was published on 11 May 2004, indicated that approximately 235 organised criminal gangs operate in Northern Ireland. The partner agencies of the task force continue to have significant success against organised criminal gangs. Every seizure, arrest and conviction further disrupts and frustrates the efforts of organised criminal gangs and I pay tribute to PSNI, Customs and the Assets Recovery Agency for their on-going effectiveness and commitment to tackle this problem.

Secondary information