§ 18. Mr. BROCKWAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies 1256 whether he is aware that the legislation introduced into the legislative council of Cyprus, amending the Village Law of 1900, imposes forced labour for six days on road-making upon those who do not pay the tax required; and whether he will take steps to terminate this forced labour entirely?
§ Dr. SHIELSAs I stated on 23rd June, the text of the Amendment Law to which the hon. Member refers has only recently been received and is still under examination. Until the examination has been completed, I can express no opinion as to the effect of the law and must not be understood as accepting the interpretation which the hon. Member puts upon it.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs not the only difference this, that previously they paid if they did not work, and now they work if they do not pay?
§ Major COLFOXHow do the conditions of forced labour there compare with the conditions of forced lahour in Russia?
§ Mr. McSHANEWould it not be possible for us to have a copy of the Amendment Law to which the hon. Member referred?
§ Dr. SHIELSI will see if that is possible.