§ Captain CRAIGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the following inhabitants of Newry and district have been kidnapped and have been interned in Irish Free Stats territory for terms varying from two to five weeks: R. E. Ferris, Sandy's Street, Newry; Edward Smith, Erskine Street, Newry; James Murdock, Carrickestricken, Fork Hill, County Armagh; Joseph Murdock, of the same place; Richard Stokes, Silverbridge, County Armagh; John A. Bell, Killeavey Castle, Newry; George M'Alpine, Cowan Street, Newry; and John Irwin, Stream Street, Newry: what communications have been made to the Free State Government with reference to these men; and what steps are being taken to procure their release?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLRepresentations have been made to the Provisional Government requesting them to trace and secure the release of the persons named, and I regret that release has been so long delayed. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that the energies of the Provisional Government are concentrated at the moment upon suppressing armed rebellion in many part3 of the country, but I hope they will shortly be in a position to take the necessary steps to restore to their homes at an early date these and other persons similarly placed. Meanwhile, we continue to hold the 15 prisoners taken at Pettigo.