HC Deb 04 November 1937 vol 328 cc1153-4W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to consider the relaxation of the regulations in Cyprus governing political meetings and Press comments on political matters; for what reason political rights and liberties are denied to the Cypriot British subjects; why responsible municipal government and elections are abolished; and whether he will now agree that the time has come for some measure of self-government to be introduced into the Colony?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The regulations governing the Press were relaxed early this year and I feel that it would be premature to consider further relaxation at present. Responsible municipal government and other elective institutions were rescinded as a result of the seditious riots of 1931. With regard to the last part of the question, I informed the House on 24th March last in a reply to the hon. Member for Hammersmith that I had come to the conclusion that it would be undesirable to alter the present constitution of the central Government of Cyprus; and I still remain of that opinion.

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