HC Deb 02 July 1957 vol 572 cc88-9W
72. Mr. Benn

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the conditions requested by the spokesmen of the thirty-six villages of the Kyrenia district of Cyprus were refused by the Government of Cyprus.

Mr. Profumo

Men from six villages in the Kyrenia district, at the preliminary inquiry to which I understand the hon. Member to refer, sought to lay down a number of conditions before making statements. Some of these could have been accepted, but Crown Counsel conducting the preliminary inquiry was not prepared to agree that advocates should take part in the proceedings since that would have converted them right away into a formal investigation. The Government have since invited the spokesman for the villagers to submit his complaint in writing through an advocate, and anything so received will be fully investigated.