HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc382-3
23 and 24. Mr. Haydn Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) why the decision of the former Governor of Cyprus to abandon the transfer of the secretariat from Nicosia to Troodos during the summer months on the ground that it was unnecessary for health reasons as well as being costly and inefficient, was reversed this summer and before the new Governor had taken up his office;

(2) the annual cost of the transfer of the secretariat of the Government of Cyprus from Nicosia to Troodos during the summer months; and if this move is to be continued in view of the decision of the former Governor to abandon it.

Mr. Creech Jones

The matter is mainly one for the Governor's personal decision in the light of his own assessment of local administrative and public requirements. I understand that the Acting-Governor followed the usual practice this year, pending the arrival of the new Governor in August. Sir Andrew Wright is considering the matter. The annual cost of moving the secretariat is about £1,300.

Mr. Davies

May I ask my right hon. Friend two questions? Did he approve the discontinuing of this transfer, when the former Governor made his announcement? Did he approve the change made this time by the Acting-Governor?

Mr. Creech Jones

My own private view, of course, is that this long established arrangement should be discontinued, but it is a matter primarily for the Governor on the spot. I am in consultation with him.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Is it not quite a new departure for the Secretary of State for the Colonies to say that a matter is solely for the Governor to decide and then to express publicly in the House of Commons what he calls his private view on the matter?

Mr. Creech Jones

I have stated that this is primarily a matter for the Governor himself. I have also expressed to the Governor my own private views in regard to it.

Mr. Vane

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that £1,300 is a very small price to pay for moving the Governor and his staff from Nicosia, which is an extremely unhealthy place in the summer, to a place where they can obviously work very much better?