§ 38. Sir F. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the policy of Her Majesty's Government about creating a new port in Cyprus; and where this is likely to be situated.
§ The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. Henry Hopkinson)My right hon. Friend fully appreciates the importance of port development in Cyprus and, at the request of the Government of Cyprus, advisers from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation are undertaking a survey of the flow of trade through the ports in the island. They will advise the Cyprus Government what developments, if any, are desirable. It is therefore too early to reply to the second part of the Question.
§ Mr. DribergWhen conducting the survey, will the Government pay special attention to the fact that there are in Cyprus a large number of historic buildings of unexampled beauty and interest, and will they take care to see that so far as possible nothing is done to spoil these ancient buildings?
§ Mr. HopkinsonYes, Sir. I can certainly give that assurance.
§ Captain RyderWill the Minister bear in mind that the decision to proceed with the deep water port at Cyprus will not only bring great benefit to the Colony, but will also be a clear indication to our 477 friends there that our interest in the Colony is an abiding one and not merely a passing one?
§ Mr. HopkinsonYes. At the same time I think that we must await the report of the committee of inquiry.