§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps have been taken drastically to increase cultivation in Cyprus and to make land available to dispossessed peasants; and whether the necessary action has been taken to secure a sufficient supply of essential foodstuffs to the Cypriot people?
§ Mr. George HallThe cultivation of foodstuffs is the main agricultural activity in Cyprus, and measures have been taken by the Government to encourage the widest possible utilisation of cultivable areas, and the provision of seed-wheat and potatoes has been arranged for on special terms. The Governor reports that dispossessed peasants form only a small minority of the rural population, who are protected in this respect by legislation. With regard to the second part of the Question, the food situation in Cyprus, as in all Colonies, is kept constantly under review, and arrangements have been made to conserve supplies of essential foodstuffs. The arrangements already made will be supplemented if and when occasion requires.