§ 22. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the rapidly increasing cost of living in Cyprus; and what his plans are for dealing with this problem.
Mr. Creech JonesThe cost of living is high in Cyprus, as elsewhere, particularly in the Middle East region, but the Governor informs me that it has not recently been rapidly increasing. The Government of Cyprus has the problem under constant review and employs methods of subsidy and price control in dealing with it. In May, 1947, the Governor appointed a Committee to investigate the cost of living, and its report is now being considered.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great increase in numbers in the Jewish refugee camps is increasing the cost of living, particularly in regard to vegetables and meat, and will he bear that in mind in considering future arrangements?
Mr. Creech JonesAll these factors have been considered by the Committee constituted on this problem.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the Colonial Secretary say why he suggests that Cyprus is in the Middle East?
§ Mr. GallacherDoes the Colonial Secretary include in his plans for Cyprus a democratic constitution similar to that of Malta?