HL Deb 01 December 1983 vol 445 c866WA
Lord Inglewood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action it is possible for the Metropolitan Police or other police forces to take over the kidnapping of a British citizen in the Republic of Ireland last week or in similar circumstances.

Lord Elton

The Gardai are in close and constant touch with the Metropolitan Police over the kidnapping. There is no further information I can give at the moment. It has been the policy of successive British Governments to oppose payment of ransom to terrorist organisations; and, should that question arise within this jurisdiction in the present instance, all concerned have been asked to respect this policy and to act only after consultation with the appropriate authorities.