HC Deb 29 February 1956 vol 549 cc1177-8
30. Mr. Parkin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on whose authority the decision is taken to close a school in Cyprus.

Mr. Hare

Secondary schools, either on the authority of the governing body or by the Governor, under Section 15 of the Secondary Education Law. Elementary schools are controlled by the Cyprus Government.

Mr. Parkin

Is the Minister of State aware that tragic consequences, including loss of life, have followed this silly policy of offering schoolchildren the opportunity of an indefinite holiday on condition that they put the Greek flag on the roof of a school? Will he, perhaps, learn from a recent event in North America, where, in spite of heroic and patriotic efforts of Canadian students to hoist the Union Jack on the roofs of schools in the misnamed Jefferson County, the so-called Washington Government of disaffected planters have not closed the schools, and, therefore, the hope of the recovery of the remainder of the American dominions of George III has not been advanced?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Gentleman has pointed out certain things to me, and I would point out to him the sort of propaganda which Eoka is now directing towards young people. I will quote some of it, because I think the House will be interested in it: Cyprus commands and not the school. Cyprus commands and not the family. The fatherland is more honest, more decent, than the father, the mother, and all others of the family. The organisation representing struggling Cyprus commands, and the command is sacred. School and family give way to it. Be ready.

Mrs. Jeger

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree, whatever our views about Eoka, that no contribution is made to the preservation of law and order in Cyprus by turning children away from school? What is the intention and the purpose of this ridiculous policy of shutting the doors of the schools and inviting the children to spend the days outside school, with the sort of consequences we all know?

Mr. Hare

I think that these are things which probably may be discussed after my right hon. Friend has made his statement, but I would point out that the Cyprus Government have undertaken the responsibility for elementary education in Cyprus and do not intend to discharge that responsibility under the flag of another Government.

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