HC Deb 11 February 1964 vol 689 cc328-30

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Mr. Warbey

There is a small point on this Clause and the extension of the Bill to territories outside the United Kingdom such as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Colonies and Protectorates. Could this include a territory such as the British base in Cyprus? This is a point of some interest, because clearly if the Bill were extended, or if an Order in Council could be made extending its scope to the British base area in Cyprus over which we have sovereignty, some interesting and useful possibilities would arise. It would, for example, then be possible to invite the United Nations Organisation to set up an international defence headquarters in the British base in Cyprus. I should have thought that the British base in Cyprus might be a very suitable place for any international defence headquarters for the United Nations Organisation.

The United Nations Organisation is called upon more and more to put peacekeeping and peace-enforcing forces into the field. At the moment there is a proposal that the United Nations Security Council should authorise the sending of an international force into Cyprus. It would be extremely valuable if this international force sent by and under the authority of the Security Council could he in that base. Although my Amendment was not accepted, the hon. Lady will realise that the sense of it could still be within the scope of the Bill. She and the Committee have not ruled out the setting up of a United Nations organisation and headquarters.

It would be very valuable if the Government would make this possible, should be very willing to co-operate in giving speedy passage to any Orders in Council which would make it possible for the United Nations to send an international force into Cyprus and to use the British base area in Cyprus as its headquarters.

Miss Pike

The only Colonies and Dependencies which we at present envisage the Bill being extended to are Malta and Gibraltar. Technically a base in Cyprus could come within the scope of the Bill, but there is no intention at present of extending it there. Consultations wtih Gibraltar and Malta are at present proceeding.

Mr. Warbey

I am rather surprised at the hon. Lady's reply because the Government, as everyone knows, have just been engaged in the exercise of trying to get a N.A.T.O. force into Cyprus, They have invited all the countries of the N.A.T.O. Alliance to contribute contingents to an international force to go to Cyprus. How on earth is that international force in Cyprus to operate, unless it is able to establish a headquarters there?

Miss Pike

The hon. Gentleman has given the case for the speedy implementation of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.