§ MR. BALDWIN (Worcester, Bewdley)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Dr. William Ebenezer Grigsby has been recently appointed a Judge in Cyprus, and if he is, or has been, a member of the London County Council; whether he is aware that Dr. Grigsby is, or has been, a Director of the Solicitor's Governments Stock Investment Company, Limited, now in compulsory liquidation, and that he is about to be publicly examined by the Official Receiver in connection with what the Official Receiver describes as—
The reckless way in which the Company's funds were invested and used;and whether the appointment, if made, can be suspended until after the public examination by the Official Receiver has taken place?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON, Tower Hamlets, Poplar)When the Secretary of State appointed Dr. Grigsby to the post of District Judge in Cyprus, he was unaware that Dr. Grigsby was connected with any Financial Company. Subsequently I learned that he had been connected with the Company referred to. He has already left for Cyprus; but, if he should be required for examination by the Court of Bankruptcy, he will be required to return to this country for the purpose. Of course, in regard to this and to any other appointment, if facts at any time come to the knowledge of the Secretary of State which prove that an officer in the service of the Crown in the Colonies is unfit to discharge his duties, the Secretary of State will deal with the matter as the circumstances require.
§ MR. DARLING (Deptford)Will Dr. Grigsby have criminal jurisdiction in Cyprus; will he, for instance, have to try people for fraudulent misrepresentation?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI believe so.