§ 41. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make any statement relating to constitutional advance in the Colony of Cyprus.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI cannot at present add to my replies to the hon. Members for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) and Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) on 1st April.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend give any indication of what he expects the course of events will be internally in the island, whether he expects peace to remain in the island and whether there is any prospect of constitutional advance at all?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI cannot add to my Answer at this stage.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsCan the right hon. Gentleman reassure the House that negotiations are still taking place, or are we to understand that the discussions which were taking place some time ago have ceased?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertain talks are taking place.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWith whom are these talks taking place?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not think it would be helpful to the solution which we all desire if I were to add to my Answer at this stage. I have made it quite clear that as soon as it is possible to make a statement with profit I will do so.
§ Mr. BevanIs the House never to be told anything about the facts of the 346 situation? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now many months since the House debated the Cyprus situation, and that there is evidence of a further deterioration in the relations between us and E.O.K.A.? Ought not we now to have from the right hon. Gentleman a full and frank statement on what stage has been reached in the negotiations, and with whom, because to the extent that the people in Cyprus feel that we are seized of the matter they may be able to show more patience?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am afraid that I cannot add to my Answer. I recognise with gratitude, and so do my colleagues, the forbearance and understanding shown by the House as a whole in not demanding a further statement at this stage.