Shailesh Vara (Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, Parliament; North West Cambridgeshire, Conservative)

What recent assessment he has made of the extent of the activities of loyalist paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Wythenshawe & Sale East, Labour)

Although I welcome the positive leadership that has delivered major progress on decommissioning, some individual members of loyalist paramilitary organisations remain involved in criminality and punishment attacks.

Shailesh Vara (Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, Parliament; North West Cambridgeshire, Conservative)

I am grateful to the Minister for those comments. However, when does he believe that the loyalist paramilitaries will disband their command structures, and what is he doing to try to ensure that that happens?

Paul Goggins (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Wythenshawe & Sale East, Labour)

It is important that those organisations take down their command structures and desist from criminality, and that the Ulster Defence Association in particular moves to complete the decommissioning process it has begun—certainly no later than February next year, when the powers run out. I am particularly concerned about the increase, reported today by the IMC, in the number of paramilitary-style attacks in loyalist areas this year: already more than double the number last year. These people must stop taking the law into their own hands, and let the police and the courts do their job.

Eddie McGrady (South Down, Social Democratic and Labour Party)

Will the Minister confirm that it is the Government's urgent intent not only that there will be full and immediate decommissioning by loyalist paramilitaries, but that PSNI and the Serious Organised Crime Agency will pursue their criminally acquired assets and those of other paramilitaries past and present?

Paul Goggins (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Wythenshawe & Sale East, Labour)

It is essential that decommissioning be completed by February next year, as the special arrangements will not be extended. My hon. Friend is also right that those who, as part of paramilitary gangs or other groups, have acquired criminal assets, often running into millions of pounds, should have them taken back off them. I reassure him that SOCA, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and the PSNI will pursue those people relentlessly and bring those assets back into the public domain.

Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Northern Ireland; Tewkesbury, Conservative)

When the Government extended the arms amnesty until 2010 a few months ago we supported the Government, very reluctantly. Will the Minister confirm yet again that he will not seek to introduce primary legislation to extend the amnesty? We certainly could not support any further extension, because after that date we shall see these people as nothing more than criminals.

Paul Goggins (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Wythenshawe & Sale East, Labour)

Let me once again express my appreciation for the Opposition parties' support for our approach to the decommissioning amnesty order. I believe that an unequivocal message went out from the House from all parties that there would be no tolerance of people who hold back on decommissioning, and no extension of the amnesty powers beyond February next year. Next February, the powers will run out for good. Those who still hold on to weapons must decommission them, and decommission them now.