§ 25. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the proposals of Her Majesty's Government for ending the present deadlock in Cyprus.
§ 51. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the partition of Cyprus is still regarded by Her Majesty's Government as a possible solution for the future of the island.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am not yet in a position to add to my reply of 21st January.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIn view of the deteriorating situation in the island, will the right hon. Gentleman say when we may expect a statement?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir, I cannot say that.
§ Mrs. L. JegerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the absence of any statement is giving rise to great strains upon the island? Can he not at least refute the statement in this morning's Daily Herald that Her Majesty's Government have agreed to the stationing of Turkish troops in the island?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is the presence of certain statements, notably one made at Brighton not long ago, which has added to the tension.
§ 26. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to assure the Turkish-speaking people of Cyprus that Her Majesty's Government intends to continue to protect their interests when considering the methods of settling the problems of Cyprus.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. WallWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the statement at Brighton, to which he has referred, has made a solution of any problem in Cyprus extremely difficult? Does not he agree that recent events show the danger of the Turkish population in Cyprus losing its confidence in Britain? Will he take every opportunity to reaffirm Her Majesty's Government's declaration that they intend to support the rights of all minorities in Cyprus, including the right of self-determination?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would certainly say that a relevant consideration in Turkish minds is the attitude of possible alternative Governments in Britain.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs it possible to ask the Colonial Secretary to treat this subject seriously and to refrain from trying to score party points, as he has tried to do several times, on issues of this kind? Will he answer my hon. Friend's perfectly fair question and give a denial to the statement in this morning's Daily Herald about what is supposed to be the Government's plan?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo responsible Minister would ever confirm or deny statements which appeared in the public Press during the process of highly intricate and inevitably secret negotiations.
§ Later—
§ Mr. W. YatesOn a point of order. In relation to Question No. 26, may I have permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of Turkish troops going to the island of Cyprus, a Crown Colony?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am afraid that we have passed that Question. I will accept the hon. Member's notice of his intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. W. YatesFurther to that point of order. May I have your leave, Mr. Speaker, to raise the question of Turkish troops going to the Crown Colony of Cyprus.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe have passed from that Question. I said that I would accept the statement of the hon. Member.