§ 61. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many police officers now serving in Cyprus were recruited from United Kingdom police forces; how many Europeans were recruited outside the United Kingdom after experience with such forces as the Kenya or Palestine police; and what approximate proportions of the whole Cyprus police these two categories represent.
§ Mr. ProfumoThree hundred and fifty-five serving officers, including 53 women police, have been recruited from United Kingdom police forces. Forty-two other officers have served in colonial police forces outside Cyprus. These two categories represent about 16 per cent. and 2 per cent. respectively of the total regular police strength.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes the hon. Gentleman recall that in the recent White Paper the Governor of Cyprus said that any allegations of brutality on the part of the police force were ridiculous because everyone knew what a decent and well-behaved chap the British constable was? 201 Do not these figures make that totally irrelevant as a reply to the allegations that have been made?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir, I certainly cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman.