§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of Overseas Development what action she is taking to see that increases in pensions to former members of the Colonial Service who are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus or of Cypriot descent are also given to those who are British or Commonwealth citizens; and whether, pending agreement with the Cyprus Government, she will give comparable increases to such members, who are not yet eligible for supplements under the United Kingdom Pensions Increase Acts, and adjust any aid accordingly.
§ Mrs. Hart:Representations were made to the Government of Cyprus before the enactment of their Pensions (Increase) Law of 1968 but were not successful. I 555W regret this but the Public Officers Agreement was not infringed and the Government of Cyprus acted within their rights. So far as concerns pensions increases paid from Exchequer funds, I can only treat expatriate pensioners in accordance with the provisions of the United Kingdom Pensions Increase Acts.