§ 21. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures of social improvement are at present being considered by the Cyprus Government.
§ Mr. HopkinsonMeasures of social improvement under consideration or in hand include a social insurance scheme, legislation covering factories and women's employment, and a Children's Bill. Improvements in the health services include the completion of two new hospitals and the extension of one, the building of a new mental hospital, the formation of a district nursing service for the whole island, and a vaccination campaign against T.B. A rehabilitation centre for disabled persons is to be established and three new children's homes opened. Improvements in education include a new teachers' training college and extension of technical education.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile thanking the Minister for that very full reply, may I ask whether these measures are ever proceeded with? Is he aware that certain measures are being withheld as bargaining counters in the constitutional negotiations? In view of the uncertainty that has been created, is the Minister aware that far more good will would be created by going ahead with those measures than by with holding them?
§ Mr. HopkinsonAll these measures are going ahead, except the social insurance scheme, about which the hon. Gentleman put a Question on a previous occasion. It was held up because it was thought better if a constitutional measure to deal with a scheme of that sort were introduced with the assent and approval of the elected representatives of the people. I think I informed the hon. Gentleman on 15th December that if the Constitution were held up we should have to consider getting on with the scheme quite apart from any constitutional developments. There is no question of measures being held up as bargaining counters.