§ 2.49 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make available the terms of the judgment of the Court of Appeal of East Africa in the Lari massacre case, and the remarks made by Sir Barclay Nihill thereon; and further, whether Her Majesty's Government will state under what powers mass trials have been held; and how many death sentences have been passed at such trials.]
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERMy Lords, copies of the judgment have not yet been received, but I will forward one to the noble Viscount as soon as they are available. No special powers are required to try simultaneously a number of persons charged with the same offence. Up to date, seventeen trials—I apologise for all these figures——
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATENo; I am much obliged.
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTER—covering 225 accused have been completed. One trial involving 67 persons is still being heard. Of the 225 tried, 107 were sentenced to death and one ordered to be detained during the Governor's pleasure. These 108 all appealed to the East African Court of Appeal, and 58 appeals were allowed and 50 dismissed. Of the 50 persons whose appeals were dismissed, 12 lodged petitions for leave to appeal to the Privy Council, and all were refused. It is understood that a further 4 petitions are being prepared. Of the 50 persons whose appeals were dismissed by the East African Court, 45 have been executed to date, one is being detained during the Governor's pleasure, and the other 4 are the 4 appealing to the Privy Council.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEI am very grateful to the noble Earl for having given me such a full reply.