Greece

HC Deb 12 March 1980 vol 980 cc1311-2

Mr. Adley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on British relations with Greece.

Sir Ian Gilmour

British relations with Greece are excellent.

Mr. Adley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern about the record of the Greek shipping industry in relation to maritime pollution? The "Aeolian Sky" and the "Athina B" are merely the latest examples. In view of Greece's forthcoming accession to full membership of the EEC will my right hon. Friend raise with the Greek Government this concern and seek, and we hope obtain, assurances that the standards employed and prevailing in the Greek shipping industry are as high as those in other EEC countries?

Sir I. Gilmour

As my hon. Friend will be aware, my hon. Friend the Mini- ster for Trade replied to a similar question on 13 February. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Greek Government are fully aware of our concern, and that of other members of the European Community, about the safety record of the Greek fleet. After accession, Greece will he bound by Community instruments relating to maritime safety in the same way as other member States.

Mr. Newens

If British relations with Greece are excellent, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what efforts we are making, together with Greece, to get a reasonable settlement of the Cyprus problem? When does the right hon. Gentleman expect that there might be progress in obtaining recognition of the rights of Cypriots—Greek Cypriots in parparticular—who have been turned out of their homes?

Sir I. Gilmour

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there are questions on that subject later on the Order Paper.

Mr. Cormack

In view of the good relations enjoyed with Greece, will my right hon. Friend welcome the Greek suggestion that the Olympic Games should henceforth be held in that historic setting?

Sir I. Gilmour

This is an extremely interesting proposal. In many ways it is extremely attractive. We must obviously await the outcome of Greek discussions with the International Olympic Committee.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Part of the problem that Greece will face on accession to the Community is the fact that its borders will be open to manufactured goods of other countries of the Community. Will the right hon. Gentleman say what help he intends to give and how he intends to direct funds into Greece to increase its standard of living?

Sir I. Gilmour

No. That would be distinctly premature, particularly in view of our other problems in relation to the Community at this time.