§ 82. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of police officers and men, if any, kidnapped in Ireland since the 1st January last; the number escaped or restored to liberty; and the number whose fate or whereabouts is unknown?
§ Mr. HENRYNo officers of the police forces in Ireland were kidnapped during the period mentioned. The number of men kidnapped is 24. Of these, 18 have been released, and the fate and whereabouts of the remaining six are unknown.
§ 89. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Secretary of State for War the number of men and officers kidnapped in Ireland since 1st January last; the number escaped or restored to liberty; and the number whose whereabouts or fate is unknown?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)The number of officers and other ranks of the Army kidnapped since 1st January last is ten. One has escaped; two have been restored to liberty; one was subsequently found murdered: and the whereabouts or fate of six is unknown.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs there any reason to believe that any of these may have deserted?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that is a most insulting suggestion in reference to gallant British officers whose present whereabouts and safety must be the cause of the most poignant anxiety to their relatives.