HC Deb 25 November 1942 vol 385 cc742-3W
Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Commissioner at Nicosia refused permission to the Cyprus Working People's Party to hold a meeting in celebration of the Soviet anniversary on the 7th November, including speeches in support of the struggle against Fascism and a performance of a play on Stalingrad; whether he will restore some democratic rights to the people of Cyprus who are fighting and suffering heavy casualties in the cause of the United Nations and meanwhile immediately take steps to secure that no further incidents of this kind take place?

Colonel Stanley

I am aware that the Commissioner at Nicosia received an application for permission to hold a meeting and refused it. The Governor of Cyprus has been asked to furnish a full report on the question and I will communicate with my hon. and learned Friend when the report is received. No change in the constitution of the Cyprus Government is contemplated at present. But my hon. and learned Friend may like to know that the Governor is taking steps to restore municipal elections in Cyprus and it is his intention that such elections should be held as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.