HC Deb 09 February 1999 vol 325 cc180-1W
Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement of the Government's policy on the withdrawal of the jurisdiction of the Privy Council over appeals from Trinidad in respect of criminal matters only; and what representations he has received from the Attorney-General of Trinidad in support of such a withdrawal. [69649]

Mr. Hoon

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the final court of appeal of Trinidad and Tobago. It is for Trinidad and Tobago to exercise its sovereign right to decide whether or not it wishes to retain this avenue of appeal. The Government do consider, however, that if Trinidad and Tobago were to decide to withdraw from the appellate jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee, it would be appropriate first to ensure access to an appeals procedure of equivalent stature. There have been discussions to that effect between my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney-General of Trinidad and Tobago on several occasions.

Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what discussions he has had with the Attorney-General of Trinidad on the cessation of the jurisdiction of the Privy Council over appeals from Trinidad. [69648]

Mr. Hoon

I have had no such discussions. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has met the Attorney-General of Trinidad and Tobago on several occasions during which various matters, including the appellate jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, were discussed.