HC Deb 25 November 1931 vol 260 cc375-6
10. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been deported from Cyprus in consequence of the recent disturbances; whether any of the sentences to deportation are life sentences, and, if so, how many; what are the terms of the remaining sentences; and whether the increase in the amount of the salt tax, which led to the disturbances, has now been discontinued by the Government of Cyprus?

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

In consequence of the recent disturbances in Cyprus 10 persons have been deported. The deportation orders state that the persons in question must leave the island and remain outside the territory there- after. With regard to the last part of the question, I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the duty levied on salt imported into the Colony, which in the case of packing and rock salt was raised by the Order in Council of the 11th August, 1931, from 3 copper piastres (about 4d.) to 4 copper piastres (about 5⅓d.) per oke. The oke is 2⅘ pounds weight. I certainly could not accept the view that this increase, which has not been discontinued, was the cause of the recent disturbances.

Mr. McGOVERN

Are any of these deportations for life or is any limit put upon them?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think that I have answered that question. I said that the deportation order states that the person in question must leave the island and remain outside the territory thereafter.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Are any of these cases subject to appeal or at any rate to review at any particular time?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The action of the Governor is subject to review by the Secretary of State.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Has not the time come when the right hon. Gentleman can definitely lay papers, so that Members will be able to review these happenings in Cyprus?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think so, but I will consider that matter. The House has been very fully informed on this subject. A number of official communiques were issued almost from day to day and the very day after Parliament reassembled I gave a very full answer supplementing them. I gave all the information that I could as to what had taken place on that occasion, and I have answered questions since. I doubt whether the laying of papers would add anything to the information that has been given.