§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the economic and constitutional development of Cyprus as at the most recent convenient date; if relations between employers and workpeople are in a satisfactory condition; if improvement is being effected in the supply of materials for industrial expansion; and if the staff of the Colony is adequate to the needs of its enlarged administrative duties.
§ Mr. MayhewAs regards the economic development of Cyprus, a copy of a recent Cyprus Sessional Paper on the progress of the Ten Year Development Plan is being sent to the hon. Member and will, I think, give him the information he requires. As to constitutional development, proposals are at present under the consideration of His Majesty's Government and it is hoped that it will soon be possible to report progress.
With regard to the second part of the Question, the Hon. Member will doubtless be aware that a strike of the workers of the Cyprus Mines Corporation has been in progress for a considerable time and has led to unfortunate incidents. The latest information, however, suggests that the prospects are perhaps somewhat brighter. 117W Apart from this particular dispute, my right hon. Friend has no information to suggest that relations between employers and workpeople are not satisfactory.
With regard to the third part of the Question, if the hon. Member will let me know which materials and projects he has particularly in mind we will try to give him a definite answer.
With regard to the fourth part of the Question, there are a number of vacancies due to be filled in the normal course, but apart from this there is no reason to suppose that the Governor considers his staff other than fully adequate to its task, and my right hon. Friend has full confidence in him and his officers.