HC Deb 16 February 1938 vol 331 cc1879-80
48. Commander Marsden

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the prosperity of Cyprus largely depends on the irrigation of the Mesaoria plain, containing 400,000 acres of fertile land, he will say what steps the Government are taking in the matter?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

As I stated on 10th November, exploratory work is now being undertaken in this matter with the aid of a grant of £30,000 from the Colonial Development Fund.

Commander Marsden

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect this report to be ready, and will it be available to the House as a White Paper?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I cannot undertake to publish it as a White Paper, but I might arrange to put a copy in the Library, or to send the hon. Member a copy.