§ Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Governor of Cyprus for developing roads, and improving housing in the villages; to what extent the decision to provide milk for necessitous children has been given effect; and what measures are under consideration for dealing with the indebtedness of the farmers?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have not received any recent proposals from the Governor3024W of Cyprus for developing roads or improving houses in the villages. Both, however, are objects that engage the constant attention of the Cyprus Government. The road system in Cyprus is of a good standard, and in this year's estimates some £32,000 is provided for village roads and other minor works. Government officials endeavour by propaganda to improve village housing conditions.
I am asking the Governor for information about the provision of milk for necessitous children.
A law to provide for the relief of agricultural debtors was published in Cyprus in November in draft to allow of comments from interested parties. In the light of the comments received a number of amendments have been made to the original draft bill and I am now considering the revised draft. The law will established a Debt Settlement Board which will have power to make settlements based on the debtor's capacity to pay.