§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give particulars of the statements which appeared in Cyprus newspapers, and which caused the censorship to be re-imposed; and whether he will give instructions that publication of the report of discussions in this House, and of articles appearing in the British Press relating to Cyprus may be permitted?
§ Sir T. InskipAs I stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member on 14th June no newspaper in Cyprus has recently been placed under censorship. The communication made to the editors of newspapers to which the hon. Member no doubt refers followed the publication of articles which, in the opinion of the Cyprus Government, were having the effect of keeping alive agitation and intimidating those persons in Cyprus who were co-operating with Government.
With regard to the second and third parts of the question, a further report is being asked for from the Acting Governor.
Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he instructed the Commissioner of Nicosia to inform the editors of the Nicosia newspapers that report of procedings in this House relating to Cyprus matters were prohibited matter; and what are the grounds for the suppression of news and articles in Cyprus?
§ Sir T. InskipThe Law of Cyprus vests discretionary powers in relation to the Press in the Colonial Secretary of Cyprus with whom, I understand, the Commissioner of Nicosia consulted before making communications to the editors of the local Press regarding the publication of prohibited matter. There was no question of instructions from the Secretary of State, 2255W In answer to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer which I gave to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers).