§ 30. Sir A. Beitasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why trades union representatives in Cyprus have refused to serve on committees set up by the Government to deal with the rise in the cost of living and similar problems.
§ Colonel StanleyThe Governor of Cyprus reported at the end of October that the trade unions had been invited to provide representatives on all advisory committees appointed to deal with the cost of living, but that they had declined to do so unless the committees were given 678 complete executive control. The Governor took the view, with which I fully agree, that the Government could not divest itself of its responsibilities in such matters.
§ Sir A. BeitCan my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether trade unionists generally, in Cyprus, are aware that their leaders will not assist the Minister in this respect because of their doctrinaire views?
§ Colonel StanleyI think it is useful that publicity should be given to the fact that when they were invited to take their proper place in a matter such as this they preferred not to take responsibility but the much easier course of being free to criticise.
§ Mr. PrittIs it not becoming clearer every day that you will have this trouble until you give the elements of self-government?
§ Colonel StanleyHere is one opportunity of exercising some of the functions and responsibility of self-government and they refuse to accept it.
§ Mr. PrittSurely the right hon. and gallant Gentleman does not suggest that an advisory committee is representative or self-government for a grown-up people?
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasDo the trade unionists ask in so many words for executive control, or is that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's interpretation?
§ Colonel StanleyThey ask in so many words, that the committee's decision shall be final, although the responsibility has to be borne by the Government.