1. This
is an appeal from a refusal of the Divisional Court to permit the continuation
of an interlocutory injunction restraining the Government from ratifying the
Single European Act and seeking to continue that interlocutory injunction until
the final hearing of the case. The first issue is whether the plaintiff has
established a fair issue to be tried as to the effect of ratification within
the provisions of Article 29, s. 4, sub-s. 3 of the Constitution. My view is
that it is so established, but I express no view on the weight of the arguments.
2. As
to the second question, whether the balance of convenience justifies the
granting of an interlocutory injunction, the balance ;of convenience in the
context of the Constitution is exceptional and considerations different to
those of the ordinary injunction apply. If the interlocutory injunction sought
by the plaintiff were not granted, then the Government's act of ratification
would deprive this Court of its jurisdiction or power to grant to the plaintiff
the remedies necessary to protect his constitutional rights. If that submission
is correct, a fair argument has been made out and it constitutes what, in my
view, would justify making an exception, given a reluctance to interfere with
the Executive. I am satisfied that in order to do justice to the parties the
injunction should continue. .