HC Deb 28 November 1950 vol 481 cc137-8W
Mr. Marlowe

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which Malayan judges, other than those captured by the enemy, were prevented from performing their functions between 1942 and 1945; and which of them were admitted to pension on the basis of completion of service.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Mr. Justice Horne, Mr. Justice Manning and Mr. Justice Terrell. The first two were on leave in East Africa at the time of the occupation of Malaya and were found employment in that area. Mr. Justice Terrell was retired on pension.

Mr. Marlowe

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will supply a copy of the print relating to leave and pensions referred to in paragraph 2 of the letter of 15th July, 1930, from his Department in which notice of appointment was given to the Malayan judge referred to in his answers of 21st June, 1950, and copies of such documents issued by his Department between 1930 and 1939 relating to the retirement age of Malayan judges, as were circulated to the persons affected.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I am sending the hon. and learned Member copies of various editions of the prints referred to, including a copy of the fifth edition, dated 1929, which was enclosed with Colonial Office letter of 15th July, 1930.

Mr. Marlowe

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Malayan judge referred to in his statement on 21st June, 1950, was 50 years of age at the time of his appointment; and, in view of the fact that he was required to give an undertaking never again to practise at the Malayan Bar, what were the pension terms in respect of his compulsory retirement at the age of 55, before seven years' completed service.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The judge in question was under 49 years of age when he was offered appointment in July, 1930, but preferred not to sail to take up his appointment until early 1931, when he was just over 49. On his retirement, in 1942, he was awarded a special judge's pension based on service of 11 years and 4 months. Had he retired at the age of 55 he would have been eligible only for a gratuity of about £1,020.