§ 55. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Cecil William Allen, charged with murder or culpable homicide of a native at Nakuru, in Kenya, and acquitted by a European jury; whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter; and why, in accordance with the instructions given in the Duke of Devonshire's despatch in relation to such cases, a jury was not chosen from some distant area who might not be personally acquainted with the accused?
§ Mr. AMERYI have received a full Report on the case. I do not feel called upon to question the verdict of the jury nor to take any steps in the matter. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the trial was held in Nairobi in order that the element of personal acquaintanceship with the accused should as far as possible be eliminated from the jury.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDid the right hon. Gentleman read the Judge's summing-up, and did he approve of the line taken by the Judge on this question?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Chief Justice reported that there was no evidence of 1363 any racial bias exercised in favour of the accused, and that the verdict was satisfactory on that point.