§ 11. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet had time to consider the criticism made by the Chief Justice in the Seychelles of the former Acting Attorney-General; and if he will make a further statement on the subject.
Mr. Creech JonesI am not yet in a position to complete his consideration of 350 the questions to which the judgment gives rise, particularly as I am informed that the case is being taken on appeal to the Supreme Court in Mauritius.
§ Mr. GammansDoes the right hon. Gentleman know of any other instance in British Colonial history where the Acting Attorney-General has been referred to as "a kind of person who, without compunction, would resort to blackmail"?
Mr. H. D. HughesOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. If this matter is the subject of legal appeal, is it not sub judice and, therefore, inappropriate that it should be a matter of comment in this House?
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the case is sub judice—I was not clear—then we must not ask questions about it.
§ Mr. GammansOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. It is not the fitness of this man's appointment which is sub judice. It is an appeal to the Supreme Court which is sub judice and, therefore, I would respectfully suggest that the question of his fitness for appointment can be raised in this House.
Mr. Creech JonesThe question of his fitness does not arise; he is not in any official appointment of the Seychelles Government.
§ Mr. GammansWill the right hon. Gentleman say when this blot on British Colonial administration is likely to receive his consideration?
Mr. Creech JonesI have already explained to the House that the judgment of the Chief Justice is being examined.