asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in tracing and releasing Herr Thomas Niedermayer ; who is responsible for the abduction ; whether there is any information that he is alive and well ; and if he will make a statement.

In spite of the sustained efforts of the security forces there is still no trace of Herr Niedermayer. The identity of his kidnappers has not been established, nor is it known whether he is alive and well.