§ 84. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the fact that Mr. Clifford Murray, of Jamaica, was arrested in January, 1952; that the jury was dismissed at the first trial in May, 1952, and that after being kept in continuous custody for nearly 12 months, he was acquitted at Montego Bay in December, 1952, the Judge, Mr. Justice Rennie, saying that there was no evidence to call upon him for a defence; what administrative action he is taking to ensure that such delays are avoided in future; and whether he will consider giving compensation as an ex-gratia payment to Mr. Murray who has suffered these penalties.
§ Mr. LytteltonI understand from the Governor that these events occurred in 1951, not 1952, that the retrial of Mr. Murray was delayed because his counsel withdrew from the case and that, since the incident, though not as a result of it,14W legislation has been passed to obviate a similar occurrence. The question of compensation is one for the Government of Jamaica, and Mr. Murray, if he so wishes, should take it up with them.