HC Deb 05 December 1922 vol 159 c1491
40. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to Band-boy J. Cooper, of the 1st battalion of the Manchester Regiment, who was kidnapped in Southern Ireland some months ago and has since been reported as an absentee; and what action the British Government have taken to ascertain the fate of this boy serving in a British regiment?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I regret to state that the inquiries which have been made into this case leave no room for doubt that this youth was shot by members of the Irish Republican Army a few days before the conclusion of the Truce on 11th July, 1921.

Sir W. DAVISON

Has anyone been brought to justice for this dastardly act?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, Sir.

Mr. J. JONES

What about the murders in Northern Ireland: there have been hundreds of them?