Cyprus (British Forces)

HC Deb 30 January 1968 vol 757 cc1077-8

11. Mr. Gardner

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Cyprus regarding the presence of British troops there, following recent developments in Greece and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomas

None, Sir.

As regards the second part of the Question, we are in constant touch with the Government of Cyprus, as with other Commonwealth Governments, on matters of common concern.

Mr. Gardner

Can my hon. Friend whether our bases in Cyprus are fully used? If they are not, would not my hon. Friend agree that they might be handed back to the Government of Cyprus now, rather than allow them to become a bargaining point between the Greeks and the Turks?

Mr. Thomas

The use of bases is a question which my hon. Friend should address to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.