HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 cc544-5
6. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the result of his visit to Jersey on 15th January in connection with judicial reform in the Channel Islands.

Mr. Ede

As the hon. Member will be aware, the Committee of the Privy Council on Proposed Reforms in the Channel Islands made its report in March of last year. The legislation to implement the proposed reforms of the States and Royal Court of Jersey has been under consideration by the States, and when I was recently in the Island I took the opportunity to discuss informally with the Jurats certain matters which had arisen in the course of their deliberations. The form of the legislation is still under consideration and it would not be proper for me to make any public statement while the matter is before the States.

Sir W. Smithers

While I realise that the Home Secretary's power is limited in the Channel Islands, may I ask if he would do all in his power to represent the grievances of the Channel Islanders, who suffered very severely under the German occupation, to the Government of the Channel Islands?

Mr. Ede

I do not think that arises out of this Question, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the needs of the Channel Islanders are never out of my mind.