§ Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that 10 Cypriots have recently been condemned in the Assize Court at Nicosia to sentences aggregating 20 years and five months hard labour; whether he 161W will state the nature of the charge against them; whether these men are members of the Communist party; and whether he will consider the remission of their sentences?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy information is that 11 persons have recently been convicted on charges of sedition by the Cyprus Courts and sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from four years to nine months. As the prerogative of mercy is vested in the Governor, the question of the remission or reduction of the sentences is a matter for him, and not for me.