§ 13. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Bermuda has refused permission to counsel of Mrs. Joyce Hendrickson's choice to enter the country to act on her behalf.
§ Mr. FisherThe Bermuda Board of Immigration, in considering applications for non-Bermudians to engage in gainful occupations in the Islands, is required to take into account the availability of the services of persons already resident there. In this case, permission was refused as the Board was satisfied that local lawyers were competent and available to act for Mrs. Hendrickson.
§ Mr. BottomleyIs the Under-Secretary aware that the Attorney-General said in this House that a person should have the counsel of his or her own choice, after representations were made to the Nigerian Government to this effect? Bearing in mind that the Board of Immigration is the responsible body for the prosecution and is stopping the lady from having her own counsel, does not this seem unfair?
§ Mr. FisherI must tell the House quite frankly that I am personally not very happy about this case. I have the right hon. Gentleman's point. I saw the Question only this morning for the first time. I at once telegraphed the Governor for his advice, and have asked him to notify Mrs. Hendrickson of her right of appeal against the decision of the Board. She may not know that she has a right of appeal, and that appeal can go to the Governor in Executive Council.
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the hon. Gentleman keep me informed?
§ Mr. FisherI will, indeed.