HC Deb 31 October 1945 vol 415 cc574-5W
Mr. Haydn Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the incidents at Famagusta Transit Camp on 8th October, he will give full details of the demobilisation arrangements for Cypriot troops since there is widespread discontent over the apparent abandonment of the original demobilisation plan of releasing 2,000 men a month.

Mr. George Hall

Plans for the demobilisation of Cyprus forces are in accordance with the age and service group system adopted for the British Army as a whole. These plans have now been advanced to permit of release of groups up to and including group 26 by 20th January, 1946, and group 30 by 21st March, 1946. The demobilisation plans of the Cyprus authorities have not been based on a release rate of 2,000 men a month. This figure represents the maximum with which the dispersal centre can deal, but it has been made clear to Cyprus Forces serving overseas that difficulties of shipping and irregularities in the arrival of parties for discharge make it unlikely that this figure will be attained.