MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Swansea District)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can give any information to the House as to the present or proposed constitution of the High Court of Rhodesia, referred to in the correspondence between the right hon. Gentleman and Sir Alfred Milner recently laid before Parliament; what is the number of the judges of the Court at present; by what authority have the said judges been appointed; has the selection been made from members of the legal profession in the United Kingdom or in British Colonies; and will he take care that persons not belonging to the legal profession, or who have not had a legal training, shall not be appointed judges in the territories in question?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.There are at present two judges. They are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Matabeleland Order in Council, by the British South Africa Company with the approval of the Secretary of State. Both are 484 members of the English Bar. I have no intention of approving anyone who is not legally trained.
§ MR. MACNEILLBy what tenure do these judges hold office? At whoso pleasure? Is it the pleasure of the Company?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI must ask for notice of that.