HC Deb 01 July 1953 vol 517 c389
44. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether detainees in Kenya are permitted legal defence when appealing before the Advisory Committee against their detention.

Mr. Lyttelton

Counsel are not allowed in these appeals.

Mr. Brockway

Is it not the case that detainees are permitted the help of lawyers to prepare their case but are not given any information as to the character of the charge against them, and that lawyers are not permitted to represent them when they go to the Advisory Committee? Would the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again?

Mr. Lyttelton

Certainly, we will look at it again. As I understand the hon. Gentleman, he has said, as I believe to be the case, that detainees get the advice of lawyers but at the present moment lawyers are not allowed to appear for them. The reason for that is the number of cases. If lawyers were allowed to appear before the Advisory Committee we might get very long and protracted hearings.

Mr. Brockway

Would it be possible for detainees and lawyers to be informed of the charges so that they can effectively prepare their defence?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am not accepting the hon. Gentleman's premise that they are not so informed, but I will look into it.