§ 5. Mr Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Defence, in view of the need for reduction in defence expenditure, when it is proposed to withdraw from Cyprus.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the fact that the Minister has said there are limits to what we can afford and in view of the fact that we have already spent at least £20 million on Cyprus militarily and £2,200,000 on police action in Cyprus, does he not think it time that we cut our losses in Cyprus?
§ Mr. BirchAny questions on policy in Cyprus should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary.
Mr. DugdaleIn view of the fact that Cyprus was considered useful as a military base in the Middle East by the Government, will the Minister state how much of the recent military operation took place from Cyprus and how much took place from Malta?
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs there any present intention of developing a deep-water port in Cyprus?
§ 19. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Defence what has been the total military expenditure in Cyprus, up to 30th November, since it became a military base; and what is the total capital expenditure at present approved of for military purposes.
§ Mr. BirchI have been asked to reply.
The total military expenditure incurred in Cyprus from December, 1954, to November, 1956, is about £27½ million. The total capital expenditure for which approval has been given is about £18 million.
§ Mr. HughesIs it the policy of the Government to go on pouring out this money on Cyprus in view of what has happened in Cyprus? Will the Minister submit these figures to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for scrutiny?
§ Mr. BirchI can assure the hon. Member that the Chancellor of the Exchequer scrutinises all figures.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Secretary of State aware that it is impossible to use Cyprus properly as a base, as has been proved recently, because there is no deep-water port? In view of the fact that it is useful only as an air base, ought not the whole matter to be reviewed in the light of what we understand to be the facts?