HC Deb 13 November 1957 vol 577 cc933-4
28. Mr. Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in substitution for the unofficial translation of the 1947 edition of the Actes du Rhin which he has supplied to the law libraries to enable lawyers and others to comprehend the provisions of Section 6 of the Administration of Justice Act. 1956, he will provide an unofficial translation of the 1957 edition of the Actes du Rhin to the same libraries.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)

The Actes du Rhin is an unofficial publication, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to have a special translation of the 1957 edition made.

Mr. Knox Cunningham

In those circumstances, why was the Minister so kind as to supply an unofficial translation of the 1947 edition? Will he ask my right hon. Friend to think again, because it is quite impossible for anyone to understand the restriction of Section 6 of the Administration of Justice Act, 1956, unless my right hon. Friend provides a translation, or unless the lawyer happens to be able to speak French?

Mr. Neave

My hon. Friend will be aware that the 1947 edition was supplied to him in unofficial translation as a matter of courtesy to him and those interested in this matter. He will also be aware that the text of the Rhine Convention is not altered in the 1957 version and my right hon. Friend cannot sponsor a further unofficial translation of any additional matters in the new version.

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