§ 2. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Minister of Labour what reply he has given to the recommendation made to Her Majesty's Government by the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation that all persons in custody in Cyprus, including trade union leaders, should receive a fair trial at the earliest possible moment.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)The reply to be made to the Governing Body's observations on this matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn view of the representative character of the I.L.O., representing Governments and employers' organisations, as well as workers' organisations, will the right hon. Gentleman refer this request to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with a view to the trial of more than 1,000 people who are still detained in Cyprus and to facilitate negotiations with Archbishop Makarios and the representatives of the Cypriot people?
§ Mr. MacleodI think that that goes a good deal wider. I will, of course, discuss the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the majority of allegations made were rejected by the Governing Body. I should make it quite clear that if people were detained in Cyprus, that was never because of their trade union activities.