§ 20. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Commissioner at Nicosia banned a bus excursion to Nicosia arranged for 26th October by the National Liberation Coalition, despite assurances that there would be neither formal meetings nor speeches; why local bus companies were warned by the police, under threat of severe penalty, against carrying any passengers on the proposed excursion; and why the police, after the excursion had been officially cancelled, erected barbed wire obstructions on 26th October on all roads leading to Nicosia, stopped all traffic and subjected passengers to great inconvenience.
§ Mr. LytteltonThis excursion was organised by Communists to attend an assembly which had been prohibited because its purpose was seditious and it constituted a threat to public order. Bus drivers taking part rendered themselves liable to prosecution, and steps were taken to warn them in their own interests. Police check points were established to warn obvious excursionists. There was no inconvenience to other traffic or interference with it.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these decisions were taken after the excursion had been cancelled? Does he think that this sort of behaviour on the part of the authorities is likely to gain the co-operation of the Cypriots?
§ Mr. LytteltonOf course, it was taken after the first expedition was prohibited, but the same expedition under a slightly different name was being organised when these measures were taken.