HC Deb 28 July 1975 vol 896 cc1283-4
15. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether Great Britain is importing Greek Cypriot-owned fruit from Turkish-occupied Cyprus.

Mr. Deakins

Fruit is imported into the United Kingdom from the Republic of Cyprus and disputed ownership is not a ground for refusing entry. Decisions on ownership are not for Ministers but for the courts.

Mr. Townsend

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that, as a guarantor of a free and independent Cyprus, it behoves this country to treat this matter with considerable caution? Will he be prepared to consider setting up a working party to see what more can be done to exercise greater control?

Mr. Deakins

There are some complex problems involved, but I am not convinced that the setting up of a working party would be helpful. What is needed in Cyprus is a proper political settlement, and that must spring from the two communities in Cyprus meeting together. That is why we are giving our full support to the inter-communal talks in Vienna.

Mr. Lipton

Will my hon. Friend see what he can do to ensure that payment is made to the legal owners of these exports and not to the people illegally in possession of them and exporting them to this country? Will he agree to the dispatch of a Select Committee to Cyprus to ascertain the facts?

Mr. Deakins

On the question of disputed ownership, I understand that a High Court case is pending in which four farmers' co-operatives in the north of Cyprus are seeking an injunction to prevent certain British importers from handling fruit from that part of the island. Obviously I do not think that any further action is called for at the moment.

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