§ 4. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that aliens and naturalised British subjects in this country who are brought before the courts for alleged offences are sufficiently protected, because of language difficulty, to ensure they under stand the proceedings and get a fair trial; and if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to provide for adequate assistance in the courts for such persons.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Maurice Foley)I am satisfied that in principle the law and practice already afford adequate protection, but my right hon. Friend is considering the steps needed to remedy some minor defects.
§ Mr. EadieI welcome that reply. I hope that it will receive the widest publicity and alleviate a hardship in my constituency.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWhat are the present arrangements for interpretation in criminal courts?
§ Mr. FoleyIn criminal courts there is adequate free assistance for interpretation available for the defence, and, of course, the prosecution would provide its own interpreters.