§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the new detention of persons law in Cyprus, indicating, in particular, the date of its operation and its duration, the offences for which persons may or shall be detained under it, what procedure is provided for determining the guilt or innocence of such persons and what right of appeal they are given.
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§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThis law provides that a detention order may be made when the Governor is satisfied that a person is or has been a member or active in the furtherance of an organisation responsible for acts of violence directed to the overthrow of the Government by force, or destruction of or damage to property of the Crown. It came into effect on 16th July and remains in force initially until 31st October.
There have recently been cases of bomb throwing and armed attacks on police stations and individuals by a terrorist group which have threatened violence against anyone giving evidence of their criminal activities. In these circumstances, the Governor has, with my full support, taken this special power. Any person against whom a detention order is made may appeal to one or more advisory committees to be set up by the Governor, and any such persons will also be given the opportunity of making representations to the Governor. I am placing a copy of the law in the Library.