§ 45. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Prime Minister whether, on his recent visit to Cyprus, he was informed of the unrest due to a deterioration in the standard of living in the island; and whether, as a result, any proposals are being made to improve the standard of living?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. In fact I was gratified by the enthusiasm of all classes and both races and religions for the common cause.
§ Mr. DugdaleWas the right hon. Gentleman not informed that although wages of Government employees have gone up by 100 per cent., the cost of living has gone up 150 per cent., and, in view of the very gallant record of the island, will he not take some steps to see that some improvement is made to meet the conditions?
§ The Prime MinisterIt was pointed out to me on all sides that the island had never had such a time in its whole history with this powerful garrison spending its money there. Millions of pounds are being spent. Indeed, I cautioned the islanders not to cast away their money too improvidently but to keep it for rainy days which might lie ahead.