§ 50. Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Prime Minister whether he will invite the Law Officers of the Crown, when considering the constitutional rights that His Majesty's Government have of intervening in the case of the nine British subjects deported without trial by the South African Government, to consider that the Government is now inviting the co-operation of the Government of the United States in bringing to justice the alleged murderers of the late Mr. Benton, and of the Government of Portugal in connection with the arrest on Portuguese territory of Mr. Bowskill, and whether these precedents warrant representations being made to the South African Government in the case mentioned above?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe do not think it necessary to consult the Law Officers of the Crown. The cases cited do not appear to form precedents for guidance in the South African case.
§ Lord HUGH CECILMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any steps have been taken or can be taken to represent to the South African Government how very widely the Indemnity Bill departs from the ordinary standards of civilised legislation in making it retrospective?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that.