HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 cc184-5
5. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make representations to the Cyprus Government to permit Mr. R. J. Roe, a retired colonial official, who was in charge of the Government Veterinary Service in Cyprus from 1921 to 1963, to re-enter the island.

Mr. Bottomley

When Mr. Roe was refused re-entry into Cyprus last September, my predecessor instructed our High Commissioner to make strong representations to the Cyprus Government. Representations were also made to President Makarios. The High Commissioner was informed that Mr. Roe's re-entry into Cyprus had been refused purely on security grounds; but no charges have been brought against Mr. Roe. The High Commissioner was assured that the possibility of Mr. Roe's re-entry into Cyprus would be reconsidered as soon as circumstances permitted. I am keeping in touch with our High Commissioner on this matter.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask him to have pointed out that Mr. Roe has been a resident of the island since 1921 that he was carrying on private practice as a veterinary surgeon and that when he was illegally refused entry last September no reasons were given? Will the right hon. Gentleman find out the reasons? Does he agree that there is no reflection on Mr. Roe's character, and will he point out that Mr. Roe is suffering grave financial loss as a result of being kept out of the island?

Mr. Bottomley

Although we cannot accept, in the absence of evidence, that he committed security offences, nevertheless we must accept that the Cyprus Government are responsible, and we can only make representations, as we have done. As to the financial loss, this would be a matter for the Cyprus Government. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it would help very much if the Cyprus Government would consider this matter sympathetically.

Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

Would my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this gentleman will not be deported to the Seychelles, as was President Makarios some time ago?

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