§ 53. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Prime Minister how many persons have been murdered or kidnapped in Southern Ireland since 1st January?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of persons who have been murdered in Ireland outside the area of the Government of Northern Ireland since 1st January is 8, and the number of persons who have been kidnapped is 37. Of the latter, 30 are known to have been released.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the neighbourhood of Kilkenny during the last fortnight, numerous ex-soldiers have been warned that they will have to go out of the country within a week, and some of them have been brought before courts and threatened with kidnapping?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice should be given of that question.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware of what the hon. and gallant Member mentions, but if he will give me the information in his possession, I will see that it is brought to the notice of the heads of the Provisional Government in Ireland.
§ Mr. McNEILLMay I ask—though perhaps it is useless to ask—has anybody been brought to justice or any attempts made to bring to justice, the people concerned?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think I shall require notice of that question.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman state how many people have been killed in the same period within the area of Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is a certain amount of disturbance during this transition period. It is necessarily to be expected.