§ 64. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the arbitration court dealing with the naval base dispute at Singapore, which was the first of its kind to be held in the Colony, was conducted in camera; why it was not held in public in order to create greater confidence in the use of this industrial machinery and give trade unionists an opportunity to learn how arbitration proceedings are conducted; and if he will see that in future courts of this kind are open to the public.
§ Mr. LytteltonYes. The proceedings were held in camera with the agreement124W of both parties. That course would, I understand, have been permissible in proceedings under the relevant local ordinance and when, as was the case here, the arbitration was voluntary, discretion to admit or exclude the public must clearly rest with the parties and the arbitrator. I am not prepared to intervene.