HC Deb 03 March 1949 vol 462 cc58-9W
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many of the Basuto prisoners, condemned for ritual murder, have appealed to the Privy Council; and, in view of the fact that no appeal is permitted in Basutoland, if he will undertake to have these cases reviewed and, if necessary, an inquiry held.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Four cases of ritual murder have recently been tried in the High Court of Basutoland, in which 37 prisoners were involved. Thirty-three of them have so far given notice that they will ask for leave to appeal to the Judicial Committee; the others may do so, if they so desire. I am now considering the general question of providing a Court of Appeal for the High Commission Territories.

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