§ Q1. Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to pay an official visit to Malta, GC.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)I have at present no plans to do so, Sir.
§ Mr. BarnettHas there yet been any agreement with the Maltese Government about servicing our outstanding debts?
§ The Prime MinisterWhen I met the Prime Minister of Malta on 28th June, he informed me—I think that this was announced in the Maltese Parliament the following week—that the Government of Malta have resumed the servicing of the outstanding British Exchequer loans.
§ Mr. FarrHas the right hon. Gentleman any immediate plans to visit another neighbouring Commonwealth island, namely, Cyprus? Has he anything in mind in the way of an initiative to have removed from the island the immigrant Greek military leaders and to achieve the early restoration of President Makarios?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no plans to visit Cyprus, but I share with the whole House deep anxiety about the events of Monday morning, even though I have met President Makarios and, last night for several hours, the Turkish Prime Minister. We have made strong representations to 656 the Greek Government about what has occurred and what we think should now occur. I understand that there is likely to be a meeting of the Security Council tomorrow to discuss these matters. We shall of course play our full part in that. We also have a rôle as guarantors of the 1960 treaty.
§ Mr. HeathIs the Prime Minister aware that the House is glad to know that the Maltese Government have resumed the servicing of the British debt, which is in the interests of relations between our countries? Will he assure us that so long as our partners in NATO continue to make their contribution towards the cost Her Majesty's Government will keep the defence forces in Malta at their present strength?
§ The Prime MinisterThat question is one of those being considered under the defence review, on which a statement will be made to the House when it is completed.