§ 32. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how it is proposed to meet the deficit in the Cyprus Budget; whether economies in administration are contemplated; and what proportion the cost of salaries bears to the whole Budget expenditure of the Colony?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt is proposed to meet the deficit from the Colony's surplus balances and Reserve Fund. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative; and, with regard to the third, the proportion is estimated to be between 40 per cent. and 50 per cent., including the teachers in the schools throughout the island.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that this percentage for salaries is a very high percentage of the total expenditure?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir, I agree that it appears to be a high percentage, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman that Cyprus has a very small population spread over a considerable area and that tends to make the administrative charges higher. In addition to that, in the last few years we have been trying to improve the technical services of Cyprus, medical and agricultural and others, and that cannot be done without the use of experts, who are expensive. At the same time, the Governor has appointed a committee to go into the finances of the Colony to see whether a saving cannot be made.
§ Mr. McSHANEMay we have the names of the committee?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo, Sir, I am not able to give the names now, but, if a question is put down, I shall be glad to try to obtain them.
§ Mr. McSHANECan the hon. Gentleman say when he expects a report?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo, Sir, the committee has only just been appointed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWill those experts be available for the large-scale farming experiments in this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEHas the possibility or desirability of a temporary remission of the contributions of Cyprus to Imperial defence been considered?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am afraid I should re quire notice of that question.