§ 37. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has received from trade unions about the mass dismissal of Cypriot Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' employees.
§ Mr. ProfumoNone, Sir.
§ Mrs. JegerIs not this at variance with the information which has been published by several trade unions in this country, including the Civil Service unions? Have not these mass dismissals involved many Cypriots who have given loyal service to Her Majesty's Government, often in circumstances of great danger to themselves?
§ Mr. ProfumoI have answered the question which was asked which was, what representations had been made to my right hon. Friend. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 12th November, the dismissals and suspensions were made for security reasons.
§ Mr. CallaghanBut the Prime Minister accepted that this was no form of collective punishment. Is there not, therefore, some obligation upon the Government to try to find some alternative employment? What steps are being taken in that direction?
§ Mr. ProfumoIf peaceful conditions are restored there will be work for all.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs that an answer to the question? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes."] Is it an answer which ought to satisfy the consciences of hon. Members opposite? If 4,000 or 5,000 workpeople have been dismissed on security grounds and it is no form of collective punishment, do not the Government accept their responsibility for trying to ensure that some other form of employment is secured?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am afraid that I cannot add to what I said in my original reply, but the question of the dismissal or suspension of N.A.A.F.I. workers is a matter for N.A.A.F.I., and, in this House, it would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.