§ Mr. SCURRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish the Report of the inquiry held into the causes of the forest fires in Cyprus?
§ Mr. AMERYI do not consider that any good purpose would be served by the publication of the Report. It was made 16 months ago, and the necessary action has already been taken upon it.
§ Mr. SCURRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) the reason why the newly-appointed colonial secretary for Cyprus is to receive a salary of £1,400, as compared with the salary of £870 paid to the colonial secretary who held office from 1915 to 1919, in view of the assurance that the emoluments of officers would be reduced as vacancies occur;
1556W(2) the reason for the granting of a salary of £950 to a director of public works in Cyprus when the salary of a similar official in 1918–19 was £650, in view of his statement that the emoluments of officers would be reduced as vacancies occurred?
§ Mr. AMERYThe wealth and importance of Cyprus are increasing; the estimated revenue for the past year being more than double that of 1913–14. This involves a corresponding increase in the responsibilities of the higher officials, and I did not consider it possible to obtain the services of suitable persons for these particular posts at a lower rate of salary. I can assure the hon. Member that the importance of exercising strict economy is constantly borne in mind.