Discussions (Hansard, 11 July 1957)

§ 43. Mr. K. Robinson
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his discussions with Sir John Harding about the future of Cyprus.

§ Mr. Profumo
The Governor arrived in this country on the 6th July for discussions on current matters relating to Cyprus. I have no further statement to make.

§ Mr. Robinson
Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House when we can expect a further statement on the matter, and will he say whether, in the meantime, the question of direct consultation with representatives of the Cypriot people is under consideration, and also whether or not it is the intention that Sir John Harding shall return to Cyprus at the end of his leave?

§ Mr. Profumo
With regard to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, it is certainly the intention that Sir John Harding shall return to his post as soon as these meetings have come to an end, perhaps after a short spell of leave. The second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary does not arise directly from the Question on the Order Paper.

§ Mr. Callaghan
But may we take it that Sir John Harding's visit means that at last the Government are throwing off their unjustifiable slothfulness in this matter? Is the Under-Secretary aware, and is the Prime Minister, who seems to find this so amusing, aware, that in the opinion of the country the time is long overdue for the Government to take a new political initiative in order to further constitutional progress in Cyprus?

§ Mr. Profumo
I have told the hon. Gentleman before that I simply do not accept that sort of statement. I have answered the Question on the Order Paper, and that is as far as I am prepared to go.

§ Viscount Hinchingbrooke
Will the Government undertake to inform this House fully of any new proposals they may have in mind for the future of Cyprus—judging from recent newspaper reports, it rather looks as if there may be some—and will the Government undertake to do that before there is any question at all of opening negotiations with foreign Powers?

§ Mr. Profumo
My right hon. Friend will, of course, inform the House, as he always does, whenever there is any development of which the House would wish to be informed.