HL Deb 28 July 1954 vol 189 cc202-4

3.15 p.m.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, I wonder whether I may interrupt the proceedings of your Lordships for a few moments in order to make a statement on Cyprus similar to that being made this afternoon in another place by my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Colonial Affairs. Her Majesty's Government have decided that the time has come to take a fresh initiative in the development of self-governing institutions in Cyprus. They are convinced that, given good will, an early start can be made in associating the people of Cyprus in the fuller management of their own affairs. They wish to make it clear once again that they cannot contemplate a change in the sovereignty of Cyprus.

The proposed constitutional arrangements have not yet been worked out in detail, but will be broadly as follows. In 1948 a Constitution was offered which would have given a high degree of internal self-government, but, although the offer has remained open for six years, it has not been taken up by responsible and representative political leaders. Her Majesty's Government have therefore decided to wait no longer but to introduce in the near future a modified Constitution providing for a Legislature containing both official and nominated members (together forming a majority) and elected members, and also for the appointment to the Executive Council of some unofficial members of the Legislature to take charge of Departments. This will mark a first step along the road of constitutional advancement and will enable Cypriots to take a part in operating self-governing institutions and exercising responsibility, both in legislation and in the executive control of administration. The Governor has been instructed to take all action necessary in preparation for the introduction of a new Constitution on these lines.

British administration in Cyprus, besides bringing much prosperity to the island and safeguarding the rights of all sections of the population, has maintained and still maintains stable conditions in this vital strategic area. Her Majesty's Government are resolved to continue their vigorous policy of economic development in Cyprus. The efficient administration in the island, in which a large number of Cypriots play a most effective part, has brought about vast improvements in health, agriculture, communications and other fields. Since the war, great strides have been made, thanks to a stable currency linked to sterling, and to a sound budgetary policy. Cyprus has access to the London loan market on the favourable terms which are available to Colonial Governments.

The Government's plans for economic development are estimated to cost £15½ million over the ten-year period 1946–56. Substantial direct assistance has been given from United Kingdom funds, under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, and Cyprus will receive assistance from the additional funds which Parliament will be asked to provide for Colonial development and welfare. Water supplies have been piped to hundreds of villages; denuded mountains have been reafforested; malaria has been expelled; the effects of soil erosion are being vigorously combated, and industry has been encouraged and developed. The question of port development is at this very moment being actively studied.

Her Majesty's Government fully recognise that the Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking parts of the population have close cultural links with Greece and Turkey. Without sacrifice of these traditions, Cypriots have before them the prospect of expanding opportunities in economic, social and constitutional development.

EARL JOWITT

My Lords, I am greatly obliged to the noble Earl for making that statement. May I, on behalf of the Opposition, express the sincere hope that the local population, from whatever origin they are drawn, will cooperate in making this plan a success. I am perfectly confident that they have much more to gain by so doing than by adopting an attitude of opposition. I sincerely hope that the efforts of Her Majesty's Government will to that extent meet with success and co-operation.

VISCOUNT SAMUEL

My Lords, I should like to support and endorse what has just been said by the noble and learned Earl the Leader of the Opposition. On this occasion I think I need say no more than that.