§ Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will arrange for the repeal of the Cyprus legislation whereby it is impossible for five people to 50W meet together without express permission, for any speech to be made at a public meeting unless the text is previously approved word by word, and for any newspaper to publish any statement without permission; and whether he will restore the constitution of 1931?
§ Colonel StanleyNo, Sir. I regret that the time has not yet arrived for the repeal of this legislation. In the light of past experience, I am convinced that it is essential for the Cyprus Government to retain powers of control over public meetings. I have no evidence to suggest that the law is being administered harshly or oppressively, and I would point out that there is no legal restriction imposed on meetings called in pursuance of normal occupations, trade or business or for purposes of religion or social intercourse in private houses. Persons applying for permission to hold meetings are called upon to furnish copies of the speeches to be made in order to assist the authorities in considering the application. I am not aware of any legislation which forbids a newspaper to publish any statement without permission in Cyprus. As regards the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar Question by him on 25th November last.