§ 51. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated cost of economic development projects in Cyprus for 1957–58, compared with his estimate of military expenditure on the emergency.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)Over £5 million were spent on development projects in Cyprus in the calendar year 1957. The grant-in-aid of the emergency during 1957–58 totalled £7¼ million, but this included a backlog of claims by Service Departments in respect of previous years.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not it a pity that these figures could not be reversed? Will the 778 Colonial Secretary confirm or deny Press reports that some of the economic development projects in Cyprus are being abandoned on account of terrorist acts? Will he say whether this policy is being pursued? Would not it be an entirely wrong policy, which would create further bitterness and ill will?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI wish these figures could be reversed and expenditure on military action eliminated altogether, but that does not rest with Her Majesty's Government.
As regards the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, it seems to me pretty fruitless to spend money on village development if the projects are then to be destroyed by E.O.K.A. action.