§ 40. Mr. Palingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the conduct of the Chief Justice of Gibraltar who, whilst sitting in court on 24th June last, made charges of breaches of the Carriage of Munitions to Spain Act, which proved afterwards to be unfounded, against a firm of shipowners who were not parties to the case before him; and whether he will consult with the Governor of Gibraltar, with a view to holding an inquiry into the matter?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have seen a report of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. PalingIs it not the fact that other cases in which this company is involved may come before the very judge who has made these comments; and is it fair or for the benefit of the administration of justice in Gibraltar that such a judge should try such cases?
Mr. MacDonaldIt is no part of my duty to comment on the observations made by judges in carrying out their duties. With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's question, I am not aware of those facts, but I shall look into the matter.
§ Mr. PalingIf a judge makes such comments as were made in this case which were clearly unfounded—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member must not make charges of that kind.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennTo which Member of the Government may questions be put as to the responsibility for allowing this baseless allegation to be made against this firm of shipowners?
Mr. MacDonaldI have been asked a question with regard to this matter and 3094 I have answered it. If there are other questions which hon. Members want to put down let them be put down and I will consider them.
§ Mr. PalingHas the Minister himself considered very carefully the statements that have been made?
§ Mr. PalingHas the Minister not received a report—
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot spend any more time on this question.