MR. GORSTasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, What are the particulars of the offences of which seven Revenue Officials of Cyprus have been recently convicted; whether one of the superior Revenue Officers of a higher grade than the convicted officials is a fugitive from justice, and what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government for his apprehension; and, whether any estimate has been made of the extent to which the revenue of Cyprus has been diminished by the corruption and depredation of Revenue Officials?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYDetailed particulars of the Revenue frauds in Cyprus will be found in Papers which will shortly be presented. They fall under three heads—forgery, embezzlement, and under-assessment of tithes. It is not true that the superior officer referred to in the Question is a fugitive from justice. On the contrary, he returned immediately from his leave to meet the charge made against him; and we have just learnt by telegram that the charge has been dismissed by the Court. The High Commissioner's estimate of the loss of Revenue is £3,500; but I hope that some of it may be recovered,