HC Deb 29 February 1956 vol 549 cc1176-7
27. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of detainees in Cyprus have now been investigated by the Advisory Committee; and how many have been released.

Mr. Hare

One hundred and eleven cases had been reviewed up to 25th February, 104 by the Advisory Committee and seven by the Governor himself, and 41 detainees released.

Mrs. Jeger

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is urgent need, particularly while negotiations are going on in Cyprus, to speed up this work, and that it is creating a keen sense of grievance that so many people are still detained without charge, and without trial, especially as many of them are convinced of their own innocence, and they have been given no opportunity as yet of making representations on their own behalf?

Mr. Hare

I can assure the hon. Lady that nobody is being detained unless that is necessary in the interests of safety in the present conditions in which Cyprus is existing.