§ 1. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what proposals Her Majesty's Government have received from other Governments, or from the United Nations Organisation, or its mediator, to include the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus in a settlement of the island's problems.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIn view of the Government's determination to hold British bases and to defend our interests east of Suez, with nuclear and conventional forces, will the right hon. Gentleman give a clear assurance that, in their very proper zeal for peace-making, they will not trade away British sovereign rights in Cyprus?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe question of sovereign rights in Cyprus remains as hitherto. The Government are undertaking a review of all defence requirements. This will take some time and no station can be left out of that consideration.
§ Mr. F. Noel-BakerMy right hon. Friend will have seen the report by the mediator, Mr. Galo Plaza, and the suggestion that the British sovereign bases and their status would not be an obstacle to a final settlement in Cyprus. If such a settlement did depend upon some move connected with the bases, can my right hon. Friend confirm that this is the position?
§ Mr. BottomleyI have nothing further to add other than that the sovereign bases remain as at present. They are outside the prerogative of the Republic of Cyprus.