HC Deb 05 May 1936 vol 311 cc1547-8W
Lieut.-Commander FLETCHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will set up an inquiry into the methods of judicial procedure in Somaliland, especially with a view to securing for prisoners under process of trial on a capital offence the right to employ counsel and delay of execution in the event of an appeal being made to His Majesty in Council?

Mr. THOMAS

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) on 2nd April I am reviewing the question of the appearance of Counsel in the Courts in Somaliland in consultation with the Governor. In the case of a person sentenced to death appealing from a decision of these Courts to His Majesty in Council execution would be delayed pending the result of the appeal.