§ 13. Mr. Reynoldsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British and Cypriot lives have been lost in Cyprus since 28th July, 1954, due to armed action and civil disturbances.
§ Mr. Iain Macleod142 British and 492 Cypriot.
§ Mr. ReynoldsWhile welcoming the settlement in Cyprus and deploring the loss of life, may I ask the Colonial Secretary if he is aware that on the date mentioned in the Question—28th July, 1954—his predecessor said that Cyprus could never expect to be fully independent and that there was no question of any change of sovereignty? Therefore, is he aware that these British and Cypriot lives have been squandered by the Gentlemen on the Front Bench opposite, and that those behind him on that occasion applauded his defence of a position which has now been completely thrown away? Will he make sure that this sort of thing does not happen again, because British and Cypriot lives are valuable?
§ Mr. MacleodI find it hard to believe that, if the hon. Member had put his mind to it, he could have found a less helpful contribution.