HL Deb 30 July 1968 vol 296 cc157-8

2.40 p.m.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, I beg leave 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Her Majesty's Government whether it is true as reported, that a charge of assault against three Nigerians was recently withdrawn in Marylebone Magistrates Court in order that the matter might be dealt with under tribal law.]

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, I am informed that the prosecution was not withdrawn in order to leave the case to some tribal jurisdiction but because the prosecutor, who is also a Nigerian, declined to give evidence at the hearing. The Director of Public Prosecutions was informed by the court and saw no reason to intervene. The defendants also withdrew their cross-summonses for assault against the prosecutor, and the matter seems to have been settled amicably.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer.

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