Oral Answers to Questions — NUREMBERG TRIAL (Mr. JUSTICE BIRKETT)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 1 Rhagfyr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Samuel Silverman Mr Samuel Silverman , Nelson and Colne 12:00, 1 Rhagfyr 1947

asked the Attorney-General what was the total cost, direct and indirect, of sending Mr. Justice Birkett as an associate British judge to the Nuremberg trials.

Photo of Sir Frank Soskice Sir Frank Soskice , Birkenhead East

The figure is estimated at £7,250. Of this sum, £5,263 is attributable to the proportion of the salaries of the Judge and his personal staff for the period of 11 months during which his services were engaged on the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg. The above payment by way of salary was a payment on account of Mr. Justice Birkett's ordinary statutory salary, and he did not receive any additional salary for his services at the Nuremberg trial.

Photo of Mr Samuel Silverman Mr Samuel Silverman , Nelson and Colne

May I ask my hon. and learned Friend whether it was not one of the primary purposes of these trials to establish the proposition that those who spread race hatred by propaganda are as guilty of crimes against humanity as those who actually commit the crimes?

Photo of Mr Douglas Clifton Brown Mr Douglas Clifton Brown , Hexham

If the hon. Member is making any insinuation against a judge, he is out of Order.

Photo of Mr Samuel Silverman Mr Samuel Silverman , Nelson and Colne

On a point of Order. In view of what you have said, Mr. Speaker, may I explain that no such reflection was implied or intended by anything I have put upon the Order Paper or by anything I have to say; the reference to spreading race hatred was not directed against the judge, but against the man who was tried.

Photo of Mr Anthony Marlowe Mr Anthony Marlowe , Brighton

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that this expenditure was fully justified by the valuable services rendered by this judge, and has not this Question been put on the Order Paper merely as an act of spite?

Photo of Mr Douglas Clifton Brown Mr Douglas Clifton Brown , Hexham

We had better not pursue this any further.