HC Deb 27 June 1956 vol 555 cc464-5
10. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of occasions on which collective punishments have been imposed in Cyprus, the amounts involved and for what purposes.

59. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total amount of fines imposed upon towns and villages in Cyprus since the emergency began.

Mr. Hare

Collective punishments with fines totalling £105,850 have been imposed on 17 occasions when the inhabitants of a locality have committed or connived at terrorist acts or failed to render all assistance in their power to discover offenders.

Mr. Donnelly

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the comments in the reputable British Press—[HON. MEMBERS: "Name."]—the Economist—which say that these fines are having the reverse of the desired effect? What evidence can he give the House that the situation is improving as a result of the imposition of these fines?

Mr. Hare

We can all express our opinions in the newspapers as we like, but that opinion is not shared by the Governor of Cyprus.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government have no intention of slackening in their policy to restore order in Cyprus before engaging in any parley with the enemy?

Mr. Speaker

That seems to be a wider question.

Mr. Hunter

What method is adopted for collecting these fines? Does everybody pay, or only selected people? What amount is levied upon each person?

Mr. Hare

Fines are collected through local government channels—through the Commissioner's organisation—and are assessed upon each individual according to his ability to pay.