HC Deb 04 November 1946 vol 428 c1047
47. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, why two persons under the age of 21 years have been detained in prison in the British sector of Berlin without trial for if months, two for eight months and two for six months; and what steps are being taken to see that similar long periods of detention without trial are avoided in the future.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

In general, these delays can be ascribed to the shortage of trained German personnel in the courts, and to prolonged investigations by police, psychiatrists or defendant's own lawyers. Instructions have recently been issued that all juvenile cases are to be dealt with urgently, and authority has been given for the temporary transfer of Judges and prosecutors to this work. All cases outstanding for more than fourteen days are now reviewed daily to prevent avoidable delay.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Can the Minister say under what law or regulation these detentions took place? What kind of justice is it that allows this sort of thing to occur?

Mr. Hynd

They took place under the procedure of the German courts which is a much longer procedure than in this country. The real facts are, of course, that it was due to the bad conditions which have existed in Germany for so long and which we are now trying to overcome.

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