§ 45. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister which Minister is now conducting negotiations regarding the future of Cyprus.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)My right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary is the Minister responsible for the affairs of Cyprus; but because of the international implications of the problem my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is also concerned. They naturally maintain the closest contact with each other and with myself.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe Prime Minister has not answered the Question, which asked what Ministers are now conducting negotiations. In view of the fact that the Greek Government and representative Greek Cypriots have publicly stated within the last few days that no negotiations are taking place with them, and in view of the fact that the Turkish Foreign Minister has just said that the only basis on which he is prepared to negotiate as the final limit of Turkish concession is partition, would not it be better for the Prime Minister to say frankly that after years of delay and mistake the problem has become so difficult that the Government do not intend to solve it?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member is making a statement. I answered the Question which he put to me.