§ 45. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet been able to make arrangements to meet the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey to discuss the future of Cyprus.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I have been asked to reply.
I have nothing to add at present to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 24th July.
§ Mrs. JegerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly five weeks since the Prime Minister promised this House that he would go anywhere and meet anybody in an endeavour to bring the Cyprus problem nearer a solution? Is it the intention of the Government that the House should rise without any further initiative being taken to improve this really disastrous situation in the island?
§ Mr. ButlerThere is no intention that no further initiative should be taken. I cannot indicate this afternoon when such an initiative would be, but I do not think that my right hon. Friend would feel himself stopped from departing from his original wish, namely, that such talks should take place and that every possible step should be taken to ensure peace in the island.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am sure that the whole House is deeply shocked and disturbed at the succession of murders in Cyprus in the last week or so. I was wondering whether it might be worth while inviting the Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers to join with our Prime Minister in an appeal that Cypriots should end violence.
§ Mr. ButlerI will certainly bring to my right hon. Friend's attention the wishes of the Leader of the Opposition in this matter. As the House knows, my right hon. Friend is engaged today in concluding the discussions that have been taking place over the weekend, and he has asked me to regret that he could not be present in the House this afternoon. I will convey the right hon Gentleman's remarks to my right hon. Friend.