asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will make a statement concerning the interview that took place between him and the National Delegation of Cyprus on 7th February, 1947, on the claim of the people of Cyprus to self-determination and union with Greece.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision has been reached on the representations made by the Cypriot National Delegation in favour of the union of Cyprus with Greece.

Mr. Creech Jones:

On 7th February, I accorded an interview to a delegation from Cyprus headed by the Bishop of Paphos, who presented a memorial on the subject of the union of Cyprus with Greece. I reminded the delegation of my statement in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) on 11th December, to the effect that no change in the status of the island is contemplated by His Majesty's Government. I alluded further to the social and economic development programme of the island, involving substantial assistance from United Kingdom funds, and to the plans for the introduction of a more liberal constitution, which were outlined in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 23rd October last; and I expressed the hope of His Majesty's Government that the people of Cyprus would play their part in these beneficial developments. A written reply to the delegation's representations was subsequently addressed to them in similar terms To this I have nothing to add.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind and bring to the consideration of the Cabinet the fact that this desire for union with Greece is so widespread in Cyprus that even Cypriot Socialists, who stand in very considerable personal danger from union with Greece, prefer to risk the consequences of that union rather than continue to be separated from their mother country?

Before my right hon. Friend replies, may I ask him if he is aware that probably the vast majority of the inhabitants of that island prefer to remain as they are?

Mr. Creech Jones:

All I can say in answer to the first supplementary question is that the Government are fully informed of the situation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reject this proposed union with Greece in unmistakable terms?

Mr. Creech Jones:

I have said quite clearly that no change is contemplated.

May I ask the Minister if he is aware that 90 per cent. of the population of Cyprus is of Greek descent—

No.

I was asking the Minister, not the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).

The hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) may not ask a question of a Private Member.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I was asking the Minister and the hon. Member for Ipswich interrupted.

The hon. Member seemed to me to be not asking for information, but giving it.

Brigadier-Mackeson:

Will the right hon. Gentleman place a copy of the reply to the delegation in the Library?

Mr. Creech Jones:

Yes, Sir.