§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government, as a guarantor Power, have taken to date through the International Red Cross in Geneva to ascertain the fate of 2,000 persons missing since the end of hostilities in Cyprus in 1974.
§ Mr. HattersleyHer Majesty's Government have made clear to all concerned their strong support for the humanitarian efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross, but note with regret that 67W an INRC tracing team has been unable to find any evidence that those missing are still alive.
§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps, if any, Her Majesty's Government, as a guarantor of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, are taking to prevent the further expulsion of Greek Cypriots still resident in northern Cyprus from their homes.
§ Mr. HattersleyThis question is essentially one for the Cyprus communities to resolve and I understand it has been discussed at the intercommunal talks on humanitarian matters. However, whatever the reasons for the movement of Greek Cypriots from the north, it is not calculated to improve the atmosphere on the island.
§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the poor prospects for decisive progress towards a peaceful settlement in Cyprus through the inter-communal talks alone, Her Majesty's Government will now consider taking a fresh initiative for a settlement either through the EEC or the UN or the convening of a conference of the Governments guaranteeing the independence of Cyprus.
§ Mr. HattersleyHer Majesty's Government are always ready to consider ways in which they can help to promote a negotiated settlement in Cyprus. However, the best way to achieve this is for the two Cypriot communities to resume direct substantive negotiations.