HC Deb 04 March 1931 vol 249 cc382-3
33. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that at the recent trial before the Deputy District. Commissioner of Jerusalem of certain Arabs charged under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance the witnesses for the prosecution were permitted to give evidence behind screens, he will state if this is the usual procedure in Palestine; and what was the result of the trial and the sentence, if any, imposed?

Dr. SHIELS

My Noble Friend has no information regarding the trial in question, but inquiry will be made of the High Commissioner.

Mr. FREEMAN

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries and, if such a practice does exist, consider the desirability of stopping it?

Dr. SHIELS

We will certainly look into the whole matter.