HC Deb 13 February 1975 vol 886 cc210-1W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total British cash contribution to the UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus during the year 1974.

Miss Joan Lestor

Her Majesty's Government make no cash contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus. However, we provide logistic support for the whole force and meet the extra costs of stationing British troops with UNFICYP rather than in the United Kingdom. In 1974, the estimated cost of this amounted to £1,510,197 and £1,335,263 respectively.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held in the Security Council concerning the control of Nicosia airport by the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

Miss Joan Lestor

There has been no specific discussion of this, but the presence of UNFICYP at Nicosia Airport is in accordance with the mandate approved by the Security Council.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British soldiers are serving currently in the UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus.

Miss Joan Lestor

1,328.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held between the Turkish, British and United States Governments about the consequences of an attack by Turkish forces on any contingent of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

Miss Joan Lestor

None. However, Her Majesty's Government have supported calls by the Security Council on all parties to co-operate with UNFICYP to enable it to carry out its mandate.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current composition of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus by numbers and nationalities.

Miss Joan Lestor

The current composition of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus is as follows:

Military
Austria 317
Canada 702
Denmark 425
Finland 608
United Kingdom 1,328
Ireland 4
Sweden 500
Police
Australia 35
Austria 55
Denmark 23
Sweden 36