HC Deb 23 February 1982 vol 18 cc734-5
5. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present cost of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus; and which other Governments contribute towards expenditure in these bases.

Mr. Wiggin

The estimated cost of the British Forces in the sovereign base areas and associated sites is £72 million a year. The United States Government, who use the areas in connection with peacekeeping tasks, make a contribution.

Mr. Price

How much do the United States of America pay for their contribution towards peacekeeping tasks? If the intiative taken by Prime Minister Papandreou and President Kyprianou to bring the British Government into closer talks towards a settlement is finally successful, and a settlement is on the cards, does my hon. Friend agree that the role of the two British bases would have to be reconsidered in that settlement?

Mr. Wiggin

The United States Government pay for all the facilities that they use at RAF Akrotiri in support of the U2 flights monitoring the Middle East peacekeeping arrangements. The other matters raised by the hon. Gentleman are a matter for my right hon. and noble Friend the Foreign Secretary. However, we have no intention of giving up our rights to the sovereign bases.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is no hostility to the sovereign bases in either of the two communities in Cyprus and that the Cypriots are only too well aware that they provide jobs? Will my hon. Friend confirm that they have an important role in facilitating training for British Service men and have done an invaluable job in helping the United Nations peacekeeping force?

Mr. Wiggin

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's support. His latter point is quite right. We keep in close touch with the Republican Government on all of these matters, and I entirely endorse my hon. Friend's statement that the British presence in Cyprus is welcomed.

Mr. McNamara

What part do the bases play in NATO's strategy? If they play no part, why not, and why are they there?

Mr. Wiggin

The hon. Gentleman knows full well that they play no part in NATO's strategy and are there to further British interests.

Mr. Jim Spicer

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Turkish Government and the Turkish Cypriot community have made their position clear and that they fully understand that the value of those sovereign base areas lies not in the immediate future, but in the long-term defence of their interests in the eastern Mediterranean and the interests of us all?

Mr. Wiggin

I confirm what my hon. Friend has said so succinctly.