HC Deb 17 February 1932 vol 261 cc1654-5W
Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has taken place between His Majesty's Government and the French Government as to the under- standing that Cyprus should not be ceded to any other Power without the consent of France; and what is the present position in this matter?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir; as I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 7th December last, the present position is governed by Article 4 of the Franco-British Convention of 23rd December, 1920.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide food for the people of Cyprus, seeing that all the lambs and thousands of sheep have died from lack of pasture, that no barley has been sown, and that there is little prospect of the wheat maturing; and whether any action can be taken by irrigation, water conservation, or otherwise, to protect the people from famine when the winter rains fail?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have received no official information of the existence in Cyprus of a state of affairs such as the hon. Member describes, but I have no doubt that the Colonial Government is taking any precautionary measures that may be necessary. I am making inquiry of the Governor.

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