§ 64. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conditions govern the trying of cases involving Service men in Colonial Territories by civilian as distinct from Service courts; if be has considered evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool Exchange; and if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all such cases are tried by Service courts in future.
§ Mr. HopkinsonA person subject to Service law is not for that reason immune from trial by civil courts, whether in the U.K. or in the Colonies, for civil offences committed within their jurisdiction. This is expressly confirmed by the Acts governing the three Services. There are established arrangements to determine the classes of case which the civil authorities leave to be dealt with by the Service authorities.
My right hon. Friend has considered the information sent by the hon. Member, but sees no reason to interfere with the present arrangements.