§ 50. Mr. G. H. R. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to rehouse the people of Cyprus who lost their homes as a result of the recent earthquake.
§ Mr. LytteltonI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Braine) on 29th October. Basic components for over 60 prefabricated houses are now being produced daily, and the work of surveying damage and assessing assistance required for repairs has gone forward rapidly.
§ Mr. RogersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread public dissatisfaction in Paphos and impatience with the alleged tardiness of the Government in regard to this matter, that people are still living in tents in the market square, and that the Government recently forbade a demonstration by the people of Paphos? Will he do what he can to hasten repairs?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am not at all surprised that the people are impatient, but I do not think their impatience is justified. My latest report, dated 6th November, is that by that time 8,000 buildings had been surveyed, the assistance required had been assessed in more than 6,300 cases, and 620 prefabricated dwellings had been authorised.