HC Deb 24 February 1954 vol 524 cc391-2
27. Mr. Wade

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a statement to make on the relaxation of the laws affecting the liberty of the subject in Cyprus.

Mr. Lyttelton

No, Sir.

Mr. Wade

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a look at the Charter of Human Rights and satisfy himself that he is not in any way encouraging or authorising acts which are contrary to the Charter? May I put a more specific question? Can he give an assurance that recent legislation amending the criminal code and giving very wide powers of seizing and opening letters and other documents entering the island will be repealed? If not, can he give an assurance that that legislation is intended only to deal with suspected breaches of customs law and not as a means of interfering with freedom of speech and freedom of expression of opinion?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think I can assure the hon. Member, on the first part of his supplementary question, that I am unaware of any occasion when I have personally violated the Charter of Human Rights. [An HON. MEMBER: "British Guiana? "] On the other point, I would be glad to communicate with the hon. Member. It has been alleged that this examination by officials of packages and so on can be carried out without the knowledge of the person concerned, but Post Office law provides that they be given an opportunity of being present.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Will my right hon. Friend agree that laws against sedition which are not at present enforced should either be repealed or enforced, because there is nothing worse than having laws openly defied, and not having them either enforced or repealed?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not know the import of the question, but I shall be glad to look into any specific matter.

Mr. Snow

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider approaching the Patriarch of Constantinople and asking him to use his influence with the Archbishop for the purpose of reducing the tension in the island which has produced this sort of situation?

Mr. Lyttelton

The hon. Member is rating my influence rather high. I will do anything which is practicable to help in this matter, but I cannot give him a specific answer.