§ 69. Mr. Palmerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the legal authority under which military government courts in the British zone of Germany, and in Berlin, try British civilians; and whether such civilians have a right of appeal to higher courts in Great Britain.
§ Mr. MayhewMilitary government courts have been replaced in the British zone of Germany and the British sector of Berlin by Control Commission courts, functioning in accordance with the provisions of Military Government Ordinances promulgated by the Commander-in-Chief under the supreme authority vested in him, and exercising jurisdiction over British civilians. Appeals lie to a Control Commission court of appeal in the British zone. I am advised that there is no appeal to courts in this country.
§ Mr. PalmerDoes my hon. Friend not agree that it is an unsatisfactory state of affairs that there should be no further right of appeal?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. I do not think so. This position is quite formal and legitimate.