HL Deb 15 December 2003 vol 655 cc106-7WA
Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Turkish Cypriots are employed in each of the two United Kingdom sovereign bases on the island of Cyprus; and whether their employment will be influenced if only the Greek Cypriot southern sector of Cyprus becomes a member of the European Union. [HL265]

Lord Bach

There are currently 296 Turkish Cypriots employed in the eastern sovereign base area (ESBA). None are employed in the western sovereign base area (WSBA) at present. The absence of a settlement is unlikely to result in a reduction in the numbers employed in the ESBA.

Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What will be the effect on the employment of Turkish Cypriots in the two United Kingdom sovereign bases in Cyprus if the northern Turkish Cypriot sector of Cyprus does not join with the southern Greek sector of Cyprus in membership of the European Union in 2004. [HL266]

Lord Bach

The absence of a settlement is unlikely to result in a reduction in the number of Turkish Cypriots employed in the sovereign base areas. In fact, the increased requirement for boundary controls has meant that we have recently employed an additional eight Turkish Cypriot customs officers.

Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What political advice has been given to Turkish Cypriots in Beyarmudus by Colonel Grosswith, Commander of the United Kingdom sovereign base in Dhekelia in Cyprus; whether the advice on voting was given by the United Kingdom High Commission in Cyprus; and whether the Army approve of involvement in the election process. [HL267]

Lord Bach

The allegations of electoral interference by the commander of the eastern sovereign base area are completely unfounded. The British Government have made clear that they want to see a free and fair election process in which Turkish Cypriots can decide their own future.