HC Deb 10 March 1959 vol 601 c1075
21. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiations or discussions he has had concerning the future nationality of Cypriots at present employed in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have at present nothing to add to the reference to nationality made in the Declaration by H.M. Government at the Conference on Cyprus and accepted by the other parties to the Conference.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Can we understand, therefore, that if the island of Cyprus, as a republic, remains in the Commonwealth all citizens will have full rights of British citizenship? If, on the other hand, Cyprus decides to leave the Commonwealth, will these citizens be treated for all purposes as aliens in this country?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think that is so, but it is a little early to prejudge this matter. There are some 60,000 Cypriots at the present moment in the United Kingdom. This is a matter which needs very careful thought and I am sure ought to be approached in an imaginative way.

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