HC Deb 10 February 1960 vol 617 cc451-2
24. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the progress of the Cyprus negotiations.

41 and 42. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, (1) if he will explain in detail his reasons for requiring 120 square miles for a British base in Cyprus;

(2) if he will give a full explanation of the type of administration proposed by Her Majesty's Government for the British base in Cyprus.

Mr. Profumo

All these matters were discussed at length during the debate last night. In case any hon. Member did not see the details given in the Governor's statement to the Press in Cyprus on 29th January, I will arrange to have a copy put in the Library. I have just heard news that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies has delayed his departure from Cyprus at the express request of Archbishop Makarios and Dr. Kutchuk. A meeting has already taken place this morning and further talks will be held this afternoon.

Mr. Donnelly

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept the fact that we regard his last statement as very welcome news indeed? With that comment I will leave the matter.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

As the Government and the official Opposition leaders at any rate are now in possession of this secret map about the latest areas of Cyprus, can it now be given to the Press, so that we may all have it?

Mr. Profumo

Certainly my right hon. and learned Friend would not wish to withhold this information—which I think is very helpful—from anyone in the House. I have not considered this, but may it not be in the general interest of the House if I arrange to have a copy, or one or two copies, put in the Library? I think that might be simpler than trying to have them reproduced in the Press where they may not be entirely accurate. May I suggest that we start by putting one or two copies in the Library to see if that helps?