§ 3.42 p.m.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, perhaps your Lordships will allow me to interrupt Business for a few moments. Your Lordships will know that an undertaking was given by my right honourable friend the Colonial Secretary on May 19 that a detailed statement of the comprehensive policy on the Cyprus problem which Her Majesty's Government had prepared during recent months would be made not later than to-day. In preparation for this the policy has been fully explained to the Turkish and Greek Governments. It has also been put be-for the N.A.T.O. Council, and yesterday 1002 afternoon there was a full and helpful discussion during which our efforts to rind a new basis for a solution received general recognition.
As a result, M. Spaak, on behalf of the Council, conveyed to Her Majesty's Government last night the strong request to postpone for forty-eight hours their Parliamentary statement in the belief that this short delay would be of advantage. I trust your Lordships will feel that Her Majesty's Government have done right in all the circumstances to accede to this request. We recognise the great forbearance which Parliament as a whole has shown on this matter. We also have in mind the definite undertaking that a full statement would be made not later than to-day; and we had already made arrangements for a debate in another place next week. Nevertheless, we did not feel that we could turn a deaf ear to the plea of our Allies in N.A.T.O.; nor do we think any opportunity should be neglected which might lead to a settlement. We shall in any case make a statement on Thursday in the light of the progress made.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, we are grateful to the noble Earl, Lord Home, for the statement he has made. I am sure that no one in any quarter of the House would wish to embarrass Her Majesty's Government in this matter, and we will therefore accept the position and look forward to the statement on Thursday.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I am sure the whole House is in agreement with what the noble Earl the Leader of the House has said, and it would clearly be premature if we were to press Her Majesty's Government at the present time. I should, however, like to ask one question of the noble Leader of the House: will he give facilities for a debate in this House when the time comes and will he be good enough to let us know when he thinks such a debate could usefully be held?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I will certainly respond to the request of the noble Marquess. Perhaps we might see how we get along and arrange a debate through the usual channels at a convenient time.