HC Deb 18 November 1931 vol 259 cc832-3
15. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the situation in Cyprus and the proposed change in the constitution of that Colony?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I have been informed by the Governor that on the 16th instant he proclaimed and brought into force the Letters Patent abolishing the Legislative Council. I have nothing further to add to the information given in my reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander), on the 12th of November.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether, now that we have turned over a new leaf and started to show a little backbone, the right hon. Gentleman can extend this principle of episcopal deportation to the neighbouring island of Malta and possibly even to Palestine?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think that arises out of the question.

Mr. MANDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement about the future policy of Cyprus?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I can give no undertaking on that matter. The immediate problem is to see that law and order are restored and maintained and that the colony proceeds on a perfectly normal footing. Until everything has settled down, it will be impossible to consider the future constitution of the island.

Lord BALNIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the suggestion which has been made that an inquiry is contemplated into the action taken by the British troops?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No such inquiry has ever been contemplated or will take place. I took occasion when I gave a long answer last week to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander) to express my appreciation of the great restraint shown by the Navy and Military forces, and by the police; an appreciation which, I think, the whole House will endorse.