§ 29. Sir Alfred Beitasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the popularly elected municipalities of Limassol and Famagusta, Cyprus, have refused to co-operate in a scheme to control the marketing of perishable produce which has been approved by the producers and all the other municipalities; and whether he can make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)Yes, Sir. I regret that the municipalities of Limassol and Famagusta have declined to participate. The main reasons they gave were that popularly elected bodies should be given greater control, that there was both insufficient explanation to the producers and lack of prior discussion. Actually the scheme, which was widely advertised beforehand, was introduced in November after the fullest consultation with all interests concerned, including the producers and the municipalities. These two municipalities have also refused to provide representatives on advisory committees appointed by the Government to deal with cost of living questions unless such committees are given complete executive control. This marketing scheme has received general support and is working very satisfactorily. Prices to consumers in the participating municipal areas are, for the most part, considerably below those in Limassol and slightly below those in Famagusta, which is situated in a producing area.
§ Sir A. BeitIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the two municipalities mentioned in the Question are dominated by a party called the Working People's Reform Party? Cannot representations be made to them, to take action on behalf of the people they pretend to represent, rather than on behalf of the transport owners and greengrocers, who are also among their supporters?
§ Colonel StanleyThe only sufferers from the refusal to participate in this are the inhabitants of the two municipalities, who are not getting the produce at as low a price as they might.