§ 36. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agreement has been reached with the Turkish Government over compensation for British property which has been looted or damaged since the Turkish occupation of Eastern Cyprus.
§ Mr. LuardI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 7th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. Jeger). Negotiations are continuing but I regret that at the present stage these must remain confidential.—[Vol. 927, c.368–9.]
§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to maintain the right of free movement for British subjects resident in Cyprus.
§ Mr. JuddAs a result of representations in both Nicosia and Ankara there has been considerable relaxation of travel restrictions in Cyprus durng the last year, benefiting both the British residents of northern Cyprus and those who own property there but who live elsewhere. We will continue to strive for further improvements.
§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what compensation has been paid to British residents in Cyprus by the British, Cypriot or Turkish Governments for damaged property since the Turkish occupation of Eastern Cyprus.
§ Mr. LuardNone, but we are awaiting replies to claims lodged with the Turkish and Cyprus Governments. The Turkish Cypriot Administration are setting up a claims Committee to deal with the bulk of claims. Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriots have settled administratively some claims by compensation in kind, repairs to property and, in a few cases, with cash. Cars, boats and personal possessions have been restored to some claimants.
532W
§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British-owned properties have been damaged or looted since the Turkish occupation of Eastern Cyprus.
§ Mr. LuardSome 1,000 claims have been notified to us by individual United Kingdom nationals representing loss by looting or damage in respect of both movable and immovable property. Additionally, at least 250 potential claimants have not yet evaluated their losses.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications have been received by the British High Commission in Cyprus in the years 1974, 1975 and 1976 for temporary work permits for refugees from Cyprus; how many applications have been permanent work permits for such refugees; how many have been granted; if he will give the reasons for the refusals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardA work permit is issued only for a specific job with a specific employer and the application must be made to the Department of Employment by the employer not the worker. The decision whether to grant or refuse an application is a matter for that Department.
Applications are not made to the British High Commission in Cyprus, which is involved only in the issue of the permit after it has been authorised in London.