§ Lord HYLTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
What technical aid and assistance has been provided by the British Armed Forces in Cyprus towards the economic reconstruction of the island and what plans exist for further aid during the coming year.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMAssistance of the kind referred to is usually provided by civil agencies under the auspices of the Ministry of Overseas 1065WA Development rather than the Armed Forces.
However, in the exceptional circumstances in Cyprus, the Services have been providing considerable assistance. They have offered to help repair damage at Nicosia airport when this becomes possible. In the meantime, the RAF in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority is helping to provide essential ground equipment and air traffic control facilities at Larnaca airport.
The noble Lord will know that many thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriot refugees sought shelter in the Sovereign Base Areas from July onwards for whom the Services provided tentage, bedding, food and other essentials. Extensive use was made of RAF Akrotiri for the channelling of medical and relief supplies; and a number of refugees were treated at Service hospitals.
Other possible forms of assistance, including road making and the extraction of timber, are being discussed with the Cyprus Government.