HC Deb 01 August 1957 vol 574 cc1508-9
36. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now able to make a statement on the Government's proposals for discussions with representative Cypriots on the constitutional future of their country.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply on the 25th July to the hon. Member for St. Pancras North (Mr. K. Robinson).

Mrs. Jeger

Is it not outrageous that the House should be adjourned tomorrow for three months without hon. Members being given any information about the plans of the Government for the future of Cyprus? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is coming again before the United Nations before the House reassembles and this Government will stand condemned before the world, as it did by the Resolution passed at the last meeting of the General Assembly?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In order to prevent reasonable people suggesting that it was outrageous, we had a full day's debate a fortnight ago.

Mr. Callaghan

Were we not told in that debate that the Government were waiting for certain things to happen and we did not know what they were? Can the right hon. Gentleman now tell us whether the Governor has returned with any instructions to start discussions on the future of the island?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Being anxious, as we all are, for a settlement, those who are most anxious will, I think, keep silent.

Mr. K. Robinson

Would the right hon. Gentleman make the intentions of the Government quite clear? Are they prepared to allow the present deadlock to continue indefinitely, or do they intend to make a statement about their proposals as soon as this House has safely dispersed for the Recess?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Member knows that that rather ungenerous dig at the end of his question was hardly justified.

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