§ 5. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether agreement has yet been reached regarding the maintenance of British bases in Cyprus.
§ 22. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about present negotiations on the extent and facilities afforded for British military bases in Cyprus.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Julian Amery)The agreement reached at the London Conference last February regarding the maintenance of British sovereign areas and military rights and facilities are being put into Treaty form by the London Joint Committee.
Since these matters are still under discussion there, I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. BrockwayFirst, is it the intention of the Government to include Cypriot villages within the scope of our bases? Secondly, is it proposed to include valuable agricultural land? Thirdly, will Cypriots living in the base areas be allowed to retain their Cypriot nationality?
§ Mr. AmeryI am sorry not to be able to enlighten the hon. Gentleman very much, but I must stay where I stood a moment ago. I am not yet in a position to make a statement, as the matter is under discussion in the London Joint Committee.
§ Mr. WallWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that there has been considerable anxiety due to newspaper speculation? Would he agree that recent history has shown that we must have sovereignty not only over the bases, but over an adequate manoeuvre area, water supply and radar control?
§ Mr. AmeryI do not disagree with what my hon. Friend has said. I am glad to be able to tell him that the newspaper comment was singularly ill-informed.
§ Major Legge-BourkeDoes not my hon. Friend agree that we have been considerably patient over this? We 179 realise that the negotiations are extremely tricky, but can he give us an assurance that as soon as possible the House will be informed of progress?