HC Deb 13 June 1934 vol 290 c1704W
Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is still the practice in any of the Crown Colonies to deny persons being tried on a capital charge in any of the courts the right to be represented by counsel; and, if so, in which Crown Colonies is this practice still in operation?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The right of representation by counsel is allowed to persons under trial on a capital charge in all Colonial courts. This does not apply to certain native courts in the Protectorate of Nigeria, where special conditions obtain. On this point, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the Colne Valley (Mr. Mallalieu) on 18th April last.