§ 20. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for the transfer to other duties of the Chief Justice of the Seychelles in view of the fact that out of fourteen appeals from his recent judgments only one has been upheld.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister not aware of the dissatisfaction both inside and outside the island about the conduct of affairs in the sphere of justice and other matters? Would he be good enough to consider sending out a commission of inquiry to this island? In view of the fact that the French-speaking plantocracy appear to govern the island, it might be possible, if the talks did not result in satisfaction, for the Government to consider giving the island back to the French.
§ Mr. HareI do not follow the hon. Gentleman there. It is only fair he should know that during the last seven years the Chief Justice has tried 1,561 cases and that only fourteen of the litigants have thought fit to appeal.