HC Deb 10 March 1959 vol 601 cc1077-8
36. Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities are available in Cyprus for the employment or re-employment of released detainees; and what are the latest available unemployment figures for the island.

Mr. J. Amery

Many have returned to their former occupations and employers are showing readiness to engage the others. The latest unemployment figure is about 5,500.

Mr. Prentice

Is it a fact that even before the people were released from detention the unemployment figures in the island were the highest for several years, and as long as we have responsibility there, will the Government do everything they possibly can to ameliorate this problem? In particular, can the Minister tell us about the progress made in re-employing the people who were dismissed from N.A.A.F.I. and other Service establishments last year?

Mr. Amery

I have no precise figures here, but as I said, there has been evidence of employers being ready to negotiate with those released, and there has been a great deal of re-employment by the Services.