HC Deb 10 October 1945 vol 414 cc218-9
40. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government is now considering the restoration of representative government in Cyprus; and whether public meetings are now allowed in Cyprus.

Mr. George Hall

The policy has been to develop representative institutions in the sphere of local administration in Cyprus before extending them to the central machinery of Government. In accordance with this policy elected municipal councils were restored in 1943, and some months ago proposals for the extension to rural areas of a similar system of local administration through elected councils were made public. I am hopeful that these councils will prove so successful as to make it possible to contemplate the institution of a Legislative Council with unofficial elected representatives as early as possible. As regards the second part of the Question, a public meeting can only be held with the permission of the district commissioner under Defence Regulations. Applications for permits are rarely refused.

Mr. Thomas

Would my right hon. Friend be kind enough to say whether the Government are considering the restoration of the full liberty of the Cypriots to the extent that they may hold their meet- ings when they desire, as there is considerable bewilderment among them when they see us denying this facility to them, while expressing the view that we are anxious to see democracy rule everywhere?

Mr. Hall

This matter is constantly before us, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that there has been some difficulty in Cyprus quite recently.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some account to the House of the recent public disturbances?

Mr. Hall

No, Sir, not to-day.

Mr. Pritt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people hold a view that the reason for the difficulties which have occurred in Cyprus is because there is no freedom of speech there? When he refers in his answer for permission for meeting being rarely refused, is he aware that it is never granted until speeches have been put before the Commissioner almost line by line, and that the excuse is often made that he has not had a week to consider them?

Mr. Hall

That is not my information, but I will certainly inquire into the latter part of the hon. and learned Gentleman's supplementary question.

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