§ 15. Major Guy Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he recently received a Cypriot deputation known by him to be composed entirely of Communists.
§ Mr. MayhewI take it that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the visit to London in February last of the elected Mayors of Limassol and Larnaka. My right hon. Friend received them, at their request, for a short informal talk, in accordance with his practice of seeing leading citizens from any Colony when in this country, irrespective of their political views. Constitutional matters were not discussed at this talk.
§ Major LloydWill the hon. Gentleman say whether on this occasion and similar occasions advice received from the country concerned has been ignored? In this instance, was the Governor of Cyprus consulted? Had he any views, and did lie express them, and were they adverse to the interview taking place?
§ Mr. MayhewI cannot answer all those questions without notice. I must emphasise that it is a matter for my right hon. Friend to decide and that he decided it, perfectly rightly, in accordance with the reply I have given.
§ Mr. Gallacheris it not the case that if we get a delegation composed of Communists it is an intelligent delegation, and if it is composed of Tories, it is a bunch of dead-heads?
§ Major LloydWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the Governor of Cyprus expressed an opinion on the advisability or otherwise of interviewing this deputation?
§ Mr. MayhewI must emphasise that this was not a deputation. These were informal talks which took place in the conditions I have described. The question of a deputation did not arise.