HC Deb 11 March 1957 vol 566 c137W
Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what powers have been taken by the Government of Cyprus to refuse permission to persons detained by the security forces to see their legal advisers before being interrogated; and if he will now give instructions that this permission shall always be granted in future.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

All persons in custody are given facilities for obtaining legal advice. Following established practice, however, facilities for a lawyer to interview a person in custody may be temporarily withheld if, in the opinion of the officer in charge of the police division, that would be likely to hinder urgent inquiries or to prevent further arrests. I see no reason to give any instructions in this matter.